LP-08 Unit Markings

abukafura · 02-02-2008, 11:48 PM

Observed the following unit marks at the Milwaukee Gun Show today: 1917 LP-08, serial 8464g, grip strap marked: 5.G.R.z.F.5.18.M.G. ALSO: 1917 LP-08, serial 5943a, grip strap marked: J.R.50.1.K.

Ron Wood · 02-03-2008, 12:01 AM

Interesting that both Lugers have a unit designation (I like the machine gun unit of the Grenadier Regiment zu Fuss!...I think that's right?...

) but no individual weapon number.

Jan C Still · 02-03-2008, 02:28 AM

abukafura
Ron is correct on your unit mark. Also, it is identified on page 267 of the book Central Powers Pistols. See below:
1917 LP.08 DWM, sn 8464g: 5.G.R.z.F.5.18 M.G. - (5 Garde-Regiment zu Fuss, Kompagnie 5, leichter Maschinengewehr-Trupp, Waffe Nr. 18)
Jan

George Anderson · 02-03-2008, 09:55 AM

Among LP08's dated 1917 it seems to be common to find unit marks with no weapon number. As a new type weapon issued widely in 1917 to Infantry units it may just be a matter of unit weapon accountability. Perhaps the LP08's were kept as unit weapons rather than issued to individuals.

abukafura · 02-03-2008, 01:12 PM

Jan: I didn't check your Central Powers book (I should have) but did check Jeff's book on Regimental markings and didn't find the "G.R." marking in it, at least not exactly like this one. I also thought this was a neat unit marking and almost purchased the Luger but thought it a bit overpriced. Grip straps were quote worn, altho the rest of the gun was nice.

02-02-2008, 11:48 PM	#1
abukafura Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Northeast Wisconsin, near Greeen Bay Posts: 327 Thanks: 1,314 Thanked 89 Times in 57 Posts	LP-08 Unit Markings Observed the following unit marks at the Milwaukee Gun Show today: 1917 LP-08, serial 8464g, grip strap marked: 5.G.R.z.F.5.18.M.G. ALSO: 1917 LP-08, serial 5943a, grip strap marked: J.R.50.1.K.

02-03-2008, 12:01 AM	#2
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,022 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,178 Times in 1,703 Posts	Interesting that both Lugers have a unit designation (I like the machine gun unit of the Grenadier Regiment zu Fuss!...I think that's right?... ) but no individual weapon number. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

02-03-2008, 02:28 AM	#3
Jan C Still User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Box 240188, Douglas, Alaska, 99824 Posts: 463 Thanks: 0 Thanked 52 Times in 32 Posts	abukafura Ron is correct on your unit mark. Also, it is identified on page 267 of the book Central Powers Pistols. See below: 1917 LP.08 DWM, sn 8464g: 5.G.R.z.F.5.18 M.G. - (5 Garde-Regiment zu Fuss, Kompagnie 5, leichter Maschinengewehr-Trupp, Waffe Nr. 18) Jan

02-03-2008, 09:55 AM	#4
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,529 Times in 787 Posts	Among LP08's dated 1917 it seems to be common to find unit marks with no weapon number. As a new type weapon issued widely in 1917 to Infantry units it may just be a matter of unit weapon accountability. Perhaps the LP08's were kept as unit weapons rather than issued to individuals.

02-03-2008, 01:12 PM	#5
abukafura Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Northeast Wisconsin, near Greeen Bay Posts: 327 Thanks: 1,314 Thanked 89 Times in 57 Posts	Jan: I didn't check your Central Powers book (I should have) but did check Jeff's book on Regimental markings and didn't find the "G.R." marking in it, at least not exactly like this one. I also thought this was a neat unit marking and almost purchased the Luger but thought it a bit overpriced. Grip straps were quote worn, altho the rest of the gun was nice.