Recently Found Luger

[Don M]

Hello Mitch and welcome to the forum.

I have a slightly different take than Ron on the ID of the marking on the front grip strap.

The pistol was originally marked S.B.M.I.2.8. which represents the Schutzpolizei (Protection Police) of Berlin (S.B.), Linden Inspectorate of the Mitte (Central) police region (M.I.), Hundertschaft (Company) 2, Luger number 8. In the late 1920s or early 1930s, the marking format was changed to omit the details of the specific unit. All of the Lugers of the Berlin Schupo were numbered in a single series extending to over 17000. Part of the old mark on your Luger was canceled and a new number was issued, so the final mark was S.B.108.

The format of the original mark indicates the pistol was issued to one of the barracked companies that served as riot police in Berlin. These were organized in military fashion and differed from the precinct police who patrolled from stations located throughout Berlin. This is consistent with the fact that there is not a sear safety or magazine safety on your pistol. After Hitler became Chancellor in January 1933, the barracked police throughout Germany were reorganized on a national level, given additional military training and, in 1935-36, transferred to the military. Sear and mag safeties were installed only on police Lugers beginning in late 1933. The Lugers of the barracked police did not get these devices since they were destined for the military.

Your Luger definitely served in the German Army during WWII but it's impossible to deduce the history any further without information about its capture.

I am writing a book on German police markings and would appreciate permission to publish the photo of your mark. I will, of course, credit you in the book if you will send me your last name at the email address below.