Another auctioneer offers a piece of faked Luger history

John Sabato · 08-09-2002, 04:17 PM

This is a paperweight being offered on ebay...

Auction link-Click here!

Fake Luger Paperweight

If you know your Luger models and look closely at the graphic of the Luger on this paperweight... you can tell easily why they wouldn't have used this graphic in 1936.

It looks like an old catalog illustration that was cut out and modified (probably by computer graphics) and placed on this engraving or etching.

By 1936, it would more likely have been a Mauser P-08 model, with no grip safety (but look at the safetly bar shown in the up position, The safetly lever shown in the up position, and the bare spot where the safety lever would have been in the safe or gesichert position).

This graphic is a very early Model Luger and the grip safety has been "erased" to look more like a standard model P-08... no stock lug is shown. I doubt that the SS would have given away paperweights with such shoddy workmanship.

Even the German printing is flawed... No unlauts!

Sheesh! and he is asking FIFTY dollars for this piece of junk! People never cease to amaze me...

Roadkill · 08-09-2002, 05:02 PM

John, I think you are right. Additionally, the SS didn't take over real power until 1934 when the SA under Ernst Roehm (Hitler's previous WWI Company Commander and SA compatriot)were liquidated in the "Night of Long Knives". Difficult to have a memento from duty from an organization in power for three years that didn't really become a military organization until years later. There was a strong post WWI sementality. I've got a WWI Regimental pipe and stein marked with the same "In Errinerung..ect". The Luger prior to alteration would be matching to the time, the other to the mood of the post WWI era. Do away with the runes, add the safety and a 1918 date and it could be genuine. (I do however see an umlaut)

RK

Aaron · 08-09-2002, 05:11 PM

I have one of these paperweights and about nine months ago I posted a photo of it on this very forum. There are two possible explanations for its existence. The first is that is was a souvenir piece distributed to former SS troops at a postwar convention in the late forties, or more probably, the early fifties. The second explanation is that it is a total fantasy piece and may have been manufactured in England in the early fifties. It probably does have a value of around $50. Can you tell us where it is being listed for sale?

Edward Tinker · 08-09-2002, 05:35 PM

Auction link-Click here!

Fake Luger Paperweight

Go to the top Aaron and click on Johns link and it should take you there.

Roadkill · 08-09-2002, 06:35 PM

England is/was also the producer of the infamous SS butterfly knives. The stuff does however look good.

RK

08-09-2002, 04:17 PM	#1
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Another auctioneer offers a piece of faked Luger history This is a paperweight being offered on ebay... Auction link-Click here! Fake Luger Paperweight If you know your Luger models and look closely at the graphic of the Luger on this paperweight... you can tell easily why they wouldn't have used this graphic in 1936. It looks like an old catalog illustration that was cut out and modified (probably by computer graphics) and placed on this engraving or etching. By 1936, it would more likely have been a Mauser P-08 model, with no grip safety (but look at the safetly bar shown in the up position, The safetly lever shown in the up position, and the bare spot where the safety lever would have been in the safe or gesichert position). This graphic is a very early Model Luger and the grip safety has been "erased" to look more like a standard model P-08... no stock lug is shown. I doubt that the SS would have given away paperweights with such shoddy workmanship. Even the German printing is flawed... No unlauts! Sheesh! and he is asking FIFTY dollars for this piece of junk! People never cease to amaze me... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

08-09-2002, 05:35 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,912 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,502 Times in 2,077 Posts	Auction link-Click here! Fake Luger Paperweight Go to the top Aaron and click on Johns link and it should take you there. __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-09-2002, 05:02 PM	#2
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	John, I think you are right. Additionally, the SS didn't take over real power until 1934 when the SA under Ernst Roehm (Hitler's previous WWI Company Commander and SA compatriot)were liquidated in the "Night of Long Knives". Difficult to have a memento from duty from an organization in power for three years that didn't really become a military organization until years later. There was a strong post WWI sementality. I've got a WWI Regimental pipe and stein marked with the same "In Errinerung..ect". The Luger prior to alteration would be matching to the time, the other to the mood of the post WWI era. Do away with the runes, add the safety and a 1918 date and it could be genuine. (I do however see an umlaut) RK

08-09-2002, 05:11 PM	#3
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	I have one of these paperweights and about nine months ago I posted a photo of it on this very forum. There are two possible explanations for its existence. The first is that is was a souvenir piece distributed to former SS troops at a postwar convention in the late forties, or more probably, the early fifties. The second explanation is that it is a total fantasy piece and may have been manufactured in England in the early fifties. It probably does have a value of around $50. Can you tell us where it is being listed for sale?

08-09-2002, 06:35 PM	#5
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	England is/was also the producer of the infamous SS butterfly knives. The stuff does however look good. RK