Markings

Wade Nicklas · 11-02-2002, 08:47 PM

I have a 1908 Luger that has the following stamped on the front gripstrap; 116. R. 5. 2. anyone know what this stands for?
Also, on my 1913 Luger the gripstrap is stamped;
P Bg 680 same question.
Wade

Brandon · 11-02-2002, 08:57 PM

Hi Wade,
Welome to the the forum! I'm going to take a guess as to the 116.R.5.2. Unit Markings...(So someone correct me if I'm wrong)!

I think it stands for 116th Infantry Division, Regiment 5, Weapon No: 2...???

I won't guess at the other marking because it appears to be a police unit marking(?) which I have no experience with so, I wouldn't feel qualified to venture such a guess.

Too bad we don't still have Jan Still around for help with these Unit Markings questions!

Best Regards,Brandon

Dwight Gruber · 11-02-2002, 09:31 PM

The Prussian Interior Ministry Directive of 5-April-1922 lists P.Bg. as the Brandenburg Police School. This would be weapon# 680.

Brandon, track down the book "German Small Arms Markings From Authentic Sources", Joachim Gortz & Don L. Bryans, Walsworth Publishing Co. This volume contains the Luger marking material which can be found in Still, but much more expansively as it includes the entire texts of the directives beetween 1909 and 1935. Its an amazing compendium of information, covers all small arms and accessories (not just Lugers), and is extensively illustrated. The answer to almost any marking question can be found here.

--Dwight

Doubs · 11-03-2002, 01:04 AM

[quote]Originally posted by Wade Nicklas:
<strong>I have a 1908 Luger that has the following stamped on the front gripstrap; 116. R. 5. 2. anyone know what this stands for?
Also, on my 1913 Luger the gripstrap is stamped;
P Bg 680 same question.
Wade</strong><hr></blockquote>

Brandon was close with his interpretation of the unit marks on your 1908 Luger. It should be: "116th Infantry Regiment, 5th Company, weapon number 2".

In German it would be "Infanterie-Regiment 116, Kompagnie 5, Waffen 2"

The markings on your 1908 are typical of Imperial unit markings.

11-02-2002, 08:47 PM	#1
Wade Nicklas New User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Green Bay, Wi Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Markings I have a 1908 Luger that has the following stamped on the front gripstrap; 116. R. 5. 2. anyone know what this stands for? Also, on my 1913 Luger the gripstrap is stamped; P Bg 680 same question. Wade

11-02-2002, 08:57 PM	#2
Brandon User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Tennessee, USA Posts: 329 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Wade, Welome to the the forum! I'm going to take a guess as to the 116.R.5.2. Unit Markings...(So someone correct me if I'm wrong)! I think it stands for 116th Infantry Division, Regiment 5, Weapon No: 2...??? I won't guess at the other marking because it appears to be a police unit marking(?) which I have no experience with so, I wouldn't feel qualified to venture such a guess. Too bad we don't still have Jan Still around for help with these Unit Markings questions! Best Regards,Brandon

11-02-2002, 09:31 PM	#3
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,890 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,282 Times in 424 Posts	The Prussian Interior Ministry Directive of 5-April-1922 lists P.Bg. as the Brandenburg Police School. This would be weapon# 680. Brandon, track down the book "German Small Arms Markings From Authentic Sources", Joachim Gortz & Don L. Bryans, Walsworth Publishing Co. This volume contains the Luger marking material which can be found in Still, but much more expansively as it includes the entire texts of the directives beetween 1909 and 1935. Its an amazing compendium of information, covers all small arms and accessories (not just Lugers), and is extensively illustrated. The answer to almost any marking question can be found here. --Dwight

11-03-2002, 01:04 AM	#4
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,673 Thanks: 773 Thanked 1,618 Times in 527 Posts	[quote]Originally posted by Wade Nicklas: <strong>I have a 1908 Luger that has the following stamped on the front gripstrap; 116. R. 5. 2. anyone know what this stands for? Also, on my 1913 Luger the gripstrap is stamped; P Bg 680 same question. Wade</strong><hr></blockquote> Brandon was close with his interpretation of the unit marks on your 1908 Luger. It should be: "116th Infantry Regiment, 5th Company, weapon number 2". In German it would be "Infanterie-Regiment 116, Kompagnie 5, Waffen 2" The markings on your 1908 are typical of Imperial unit markings.