Erfurt 1918 - Page 2

danielsand · 01-29-2014, 03:08 PM

Hello all.

Let me introduce myself before asking questions. I am a vet, 58 years 'young', and I grew up in Europe. Both of my parents were in the military, and my earliest "toy" that I can remember, was an Artilery Luger, my Mom's war trophy. She sold it when we were about to move back stateside (and after my father's untimely demise).

I collect military firearms, and I shoot them all (I guess I am not a "real collector"!).

Since I was "parabellumless" (my mother ALWAYS called it "Parabellum") for most of my life, I naturally craved to get one, but my "collecting" took me in the different direction.

This past X-mas, a family friend showed up with a present! 1918 Erfurt in MINT condition, with two mags (one matched, one mismatched), and the original holster, with loading tool.

And now the question: My new Parabellum has all matching numbers, and a suffix M after serial #69XX. The grips are also stamped with the last two #s of the serial. Holster has BAXI on the inside of the flap (I researched, and I know what it means, and I also speak German), but I was not able to find out any more info about the pistol. It also has the crown with "RC" under it, so I learned that it was "arsenal reworked" probably after WW1.

I would like if somebody can shed a little more light on this piece? I am NOT concerned about the value, because it will NEVER be offered for sale, as long as I am alive, but the month of manufacture, possible history (Shutzpolizei service after rework?), would be nice. Since it has "RC", I guess it is a rework, but the inside of the frame is "in the white", so I assume it was not reblued. It does have normal holster wear (side plate, muzzle, right side rail, etc.) but it's in remarkable condition considering the age. Finish is easy 95+%, but the strawing is fading.

It functions flawlessly, and it has the honorable place on my nightstand!

Any info would be grately appreciated.

01-29-2014, 03:08 PM	#1
danielsand User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: SoCal Posts: 137 Thanks: 52 Thanked 100 Times in 43 Posts	Erfurt 1918 Hello all. Let me introduce myself before asking questions. I am a vet, 58 years 'young', and I grew up in Europe. Both of my parents were in the military, and my earliest "toy" that I can remember, was an Artilery Luger, my Mom's war trophy. She sold it when we were about to move back stateside (and after my father's untimely demise). I collect military firearms, and I shoot them all (I guess I am not a "real collector"!). Since I was "parabellumless" (my mother ALWAYS called it "Parabellum") for most of my life, I naturally craved to get one, but my "collecting" took me in the different direction. This past X-mas, a family friend showed up with a present! 1918 Erfurt in MINT condition, with two mags (one matched, one mismatched), and the original holster, with loading tool. And now the question: My new Parabellum has all matching numbers, and a suffix M after serial #69XX. The grips are also stamped with the last two #s of the serial. Holster has BAXI on the inside of the flap (I researched, and I know what it means, and I also speak German), but I was not able to find out any more info about the pistol. It also has the crown with "RC" under it, so I learned that it was "arsenal reworked" probably after WW1. I would like if somebody can shed a little more light on this piece? I am NOT concerned about the value, because it will NEVER be offered for sale, as long as I am alive, but the month of manufacture, possible history (Shutzpolizei service after rework?), would be nice. Since it has "RC", I guess it is a rework, but the inside of the frame is "in the white", so I assume it was not reblued. It does have normal holster wear (side plate, muzzle, right side rail, etc.) but it's in remarkable condition considering the age. Finish is easy 95+%, but the strawing is fading. It functions flawlessly, and it has the honorable place on my nightstand! Any info would be grately appreciated.