1918 erfurt value & history

corey · 11-17-2003, 11:35 AM

I just aqquired my first luger from someone having a garage sale. he advised it was found in an attic of a neighbors house after he had passed away. It is all matching except for the mag. which does have a wood bottom and inspector marks w. crown over what looks like a roman # II and a + just under ser # 4636, there is a second mag in the mag pouch of the brown leather unmarked holster which has an aluminum looking bottom with what appears to be an ank symbol and a stick eagle over 63, ser # 6128.
The gun itself has the 1918 on the reciever front and the crown over ERFURT on the top with ser # 9234 on the left side, all parts have # 34 on them. there are numerous proof stamps on the reciever side ( 3 next to each other with a small space than another which looks like a an eagel w wings spread) and above these is a mark, crown over RC (arsenal repair?) The blueing appears about 90+% with the safety lever, trigger,action release, long metal piece on right side of reciever (extractor?) being straw ( good shape. The grips appear original and also have #34 stamped on inside. Overall the gun appears about 95% and sorry I dont have a camera or I would include photos, will try to get some at a later date. Thanks for any and all input. BTW I paid 250.00 for it, Got lucky

Lonnie Zimmerman · 11-17-2003, 12:05 PM

VERY LUCKY!!
Lonnie

John Sabato · 11-17-2003, 12:18 PM

Very Lucky Indeed...

I will look forward to photos when you get the chance...

and BTW,

<blockquote>quote:<hr /> long metal piece on right side of reciever (extractor?) <hr /></blockquote>is the ejector...

Keep it clean and lubricated enjoy your wonderful find...

Edward Tinker · 11-17-2003, 02:15 PM

Corey you did well, as I think you know, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> A "shooter" luger in my area is at least $400-$550, and you got a 2nd magazine ($75+ on e-bay) and a holster if in nice shape ($75-$200)!! I am sure that almost ANY member would gladly pay you an "extra" $200 for your "rig"

So, you did all right,

A little bit of basic info from the top of my head;

Year is of course 1918

Made by ERFURT

If no suffix, then by the ser # 9234 is the first 10,000 made that year out of 175,000 lugers made in 1918

**all parts have # 34 on them. Ensure that all correct parts have this numbering

**numerous proof stamps on the reciever side ( 3 next to each other...) More than likely normal markings, but can you provide pictures or a scan of these and the rest of the gun?

crown over RC (arsenal repair?) You can do a search for this marking on this forum for further information, although it is a "failed" part that was then accepted

The grips appear original and also have #34 stamped on inside. This is nice to have

You can scan in via a flatbed scanner or borrow a digital camera, as others would love to see your find.

PS, I wrote a note earlier today and it disappeared <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

Ed

corey · 11-18-2003, 07:29 PM

Thanks for the info, Im trying to get some pictures to post and as ive seen on these forums the gun is worth a great deal more than i paid so for once i luck out. I may have to add pistols to my collecting addiction of military firearms. A boy and his toys.

corey

corey · 11-23-2003, 05:45 PM

here are some pictures hope this works

Roadkill · 11-23-2003, 09:38 PM

You did very well. Also an interesting holster. The gun alone would hit the $750+ mark. Congratulations!

rk

John Sabato · 11-24-2003, 09:39 AM

Corey,

Thanks for posting photos of your remarkable find... You definitely got your money's worth in this gun, but I must tell you that the finish is not the original finish based on your photos. This gun has been reblued at some point in its life.

The polishing that took place prior to the reblue is clearly visible in the "smearing" of the proofmarks on the right side of the receiver, and the "softening" of the relief cuts at the forward end of the receiver... also rounded by this refinishing is the frame notch on the top front of the receiver where clearance would be provided if an Artillery model 8 inch barrel and rear sight had been installed.

Please do not let the fact that your Luger has been refinished diminish your enjoyment of this gun... it was still a bargain, especially with all the accessories you have... the holster appears to be a commercial or custom made type that was designed to be attached to a US GI pistol belt.

corey · 11-24-2003, 01:36 PM

Thanks John for your info, I figured that it had been refinished, there is a mark above the usual marks on the left side that according to the proof marks page is a "Erfurt and DWM arsenal proof indicating arsenal repair, refurbish or modification" I was wondering if there was any way to determine the date of the re doing, possible a WW1 piece being readied for WW2? also since all numbers still match the refinish must have been done with great care.
Thanks again
corey

Heinz · 11-24-2003, 08:31 PM

Corey, The crown "RC" revision commision stamp would have been applied at the factory during the original assembly. The Crown RC in the position shown on your pistol would indicate a minor flaw in the hardening of the reciever. The reblue on your pistol would most likely have been done in the United States by the proud vet who brought this pistol back. He wanted a nice finish to go with the very nice civilian holster he probably purchased. It is a nice piece and speaks of a pistol probably used in two world wars and brought back for further use by a proud veteran.

regards, heinz

11-17-2003, 11:35 AM	#1
corey New User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: summerfield florida Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1918 erfurt value & history I just aqquired my first luger from someone having a garage sale. he advised it was found in an attic of a neighbors house after he had passed away. It is all matching except for the mag. which does have a wood bottom and inspector marks w. crown over what looks like a roman # II and a + just under ser # 4636, there is a second mag in the mag pouch of the brown leather unmarked holster which has an aluminum looking bottom with what appears to be an ank symbol and a stick eagle over 63, ser # 6128. The gun itself has the 1918 on the reciever front and the crown over ERFURT on the top with ser # 9234 on the left side, all parts have # 34 on them. there are numerous proof stamps on the reciever side ( 3 next to each other with a small space than another which looks like a an eagel w wings spread) and above these is a mark, crown over RC (arsenal repair?) The blueing appears about 90+% with the safety lever, trigger,action release, long metal piece on right side of reciever (extractor?) being straw ( good shape. The grips appear original and also have #34 stamped on inside. Overall the gun appears about 95% and sorry I dont have a camera or I would include photos, will try to get some at a later date. Thanks for any and all input. BTW I paid 250.00 for it, Got lucky

11-17-2003, 12:05 PM	#2
Lonnie Zimmerman User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 523 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	VERY LUCKY!! Lonnie __________________ Lonnie Zimmerman

11-17-2003, 02:15 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,924 Thanks: 2,014 Thanked 4,518 Times in 2,087 Posts	Corey you did well, as I think you know, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> A "shooter" luger in my area is at least $400-$550, and you got a 2nd magazine ($75+ on e-bay) and a holster if in nice shape ($75-$200)!! I am sure that almost ANY member would gladly pay you an "extra" $200 for your "rig" So, you did all right, A little bit of basic info from the top of my head; Year is of course 1918 Made by ERFURT If no suffix, then by the ser # 9234 is the first 10,000 made that year out of 175,000 lugers made in 1918 all parts have # 34 on them. Ensure that all correct parts have this numbering numerous proof stamps on the reciever side ( 3 next to each other...) More than likely normal markings, but can you provide pictures or a scan of these and the rest of the gun? crown over RC (arsenal repair?) You can do a search for this marking on this forum for further information, although it is a "failed" part that was then accepted The grips appear original and also have #34 stamped on inside. This is nice to have You can scan in via a flatbed scanner or borrow a digital camera, as others would love to see your find. PS, I wrote a note earlier today and it disappeared <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> Ed __________________ 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

11-24-2003, 09:39 AM	#8
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,153 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Corey, Thanks for posting photos of your remarkable find... You definitely got your money's worth in this gun, but I must tell you that the finish is not the original finish based on your photos. This gun has been reblued at some point in its life. The polishing that took place prior to the reblue is clearly visible in the "smearing" of the proofmarks on the right side of the receiver, and the "softening" of the relief cuts at the forward end of the receiver... also rounded by this refinishing is the frame notch on the top front of the receiver where clearance would be provided if an Artillery model 8 inch barrel and rear sight had been installed. Please do not let the fact that your Luger has been refinished diminish your enjoyment of this gun... it was still a bargain, especially with all the accessories you have... the holster appears to be a commercial or custom made type that was designed to be attached to a US GI pistol belt. __________________ 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..."*

11-17-2003, 12:18 PM	#3
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,153 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Very Lucky Indeed... I will look forward to photos when you get the chance... and BTW, </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"> long metal piece on right side of reciever (extractor?) </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">is the ejector... Keep it clean and lubricated enjoy your wonderful find... __________________ 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..."*

11-18-2003, 07:29 PM	#5
corey New User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: summerfield florida Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the info, Im trying to get some pictures to post and as ive seen on these forums the gun is worth a great deal more than i paid so for once i luck out. I may have to add pistols to my collecting addiction of military firearms. A boy and his toys. corey

11-23-2003, 05:45 PM	#6
corey New User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: summerfield florida Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	here are some pictures hope this works

11-23-2003, 09:38 PM	#7
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	You did very well. Also an interesting holster. The gun alone would hit the $750+ mark. Congratulations! rk

11-24-2003, 01:36 PM	#9
corey New User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: summerfield florida Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks John for your info, I figured that it had been refinished, there is a mark above the usual marks on the left side that according to the proof marks page is a "Erfurt and DWM arsenal proof indicating arsenal repair, refurbish or modification" I was wondering if there was any way to determine the date of the re doing, possible a WW1 piece being readied for WW2? also since all numbers still match the refinish must have been done with great care. Thanks again corey

11-24-2003, 08:31 PM	#10
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	Corey, The crown "RC" revision commision stamp would have been applied at the factory during the original assembly. The Crown RC in the position shown on your pistol would indicate a minor flaw in the hardening of the reciever. The reblue on your pistol would most likely have been done in the United States by the proud vet who brought this pistol back. He wanted a nice finish to go with the very nice civilian holster he probably purchased. It is a nice piece and speaks of a pistol probably used in two world wars and brought back for further use by a proud veteran. regards, heinz