1916 DWM Artillery "III.E.7."

[JoeP.08]

Good Evening Members!

I have just recently acquired a 1916 DWM Artillery with the regimental marking on the bottom front grip strap, "III.E.7.". I believe this to be a Eisenbahn-Regiment unit mark. The fact that the "E" is a stand alone letter, not "E.M.G.", decreases the probability that it stands for "Ersatz" or "replacement". I have Jeff Noll's and Jan Still's reference books to base my "best guess". Any information or insights would be greatly appreciated.

Lugers are fascinating pieces of mechanical art and the uncertainty of Regimental markings add to their allure tenfold.

Thank you.

[Ron Smith]

Hi Joe,
A bit slow on the draw. I have been researching possibilities.

If it is " III ", then it could be:

III = 3rd Batallion

E. = Ersatz infantry or possibly Eisenbahn [railroad]

7 = Kompanie 7 or Stab [staff] Weapon Nr 7


If it is marked 111. Which it appears to be due to the size of the numerals.

111th Ersatz Infantry Regiment . Company 7 or Stab weapon #7.

There is also a possibility that the E is an L mingled with an R. Or over stamped.

111th Landwehr Regiment . Company 7 or Stab weapon #7.

Which ever it is. It appears to be an incomplete marking, or incorrectly done. Which isn't uncommon, as armorers were often confused by the directives.
Usually "Stab" or staff pistols would have a space between the E or L.R. for later application of the company number. And then followed by the weapon number 7 (?).

Sorry this isn't more concise, but sometimes unit markings can be very confusing. Especially if not applied properly, as it seems in this case.

I vote for 111th Landwehr Regiment .

Ron

[JoeP.08]

Hi Ron,
Thank you for replying to my post. You've shone a light on a couple of possibilities with this Regimental marking. I agree that the "III", because of it's size, is actually "111th".
I have to admit that I did not look at the unit mark with a loupe till your explanation that it could possibly be an "L" overstamped on an "R".
After looking at it magnified, I can't determine if it is an actual "E" or an "L" overstamped on something else. I'm going to be showing the piece to a couple of collectors and will post the result.
Thank you again for your information and insight.
Regards,
Joe

[JoeP.08]

Sorry it took so long to post the latest results. I took the LP.08 to the NAPCA Convention in TN, in late Aug.. A couple of collectors looked at the regimental marking, gun in hand w/ loupe, and the common consensus was that they believe it was "111th Ersatz Infantry Regiment Company 7". That was Mr. Ron Smith's first possibility and all he had was a .jpeg photo.
Thanks again.
Regards,
Joe

[Navy]

In Chattanooga, we damn good!

Tom A.

[Ron Smith]

Thanks Joe!