1917 Erfurt anything special?

[DavidJayUden]

It is routinely espoused here that military policy strictly forbid "personalizing" an issued bit of equipment, under penalty. But we also hear of officers purchasing their own sidearms.
Personally, I'd bet that the engraving came after the conflict, not before or during. But let's see what others have to say. Although in the end, it will all be speculation.
dju