Erfurt 1918

photo-war · 07-01-2014, 06:52 AM

Dear Froum members!

I appreciate your thoughts on this ERFURT 1918 Luger, especialy about its barrel marking. I have never seen anything before like this - could be this period done arsenal re-work? May be someone will recognize this marking.

Thanks in advance for any information!

Best regards,
Alexander

John Sabato · 07-01-2014, 09:28 AM

This is now considered a Shooter class gun, and not a collectible.

The gun has been refinished. Perhaps more than once.

The barrel is a replacement, but it does not look like it was done by an arsenal. The serial number on the barrel was engraved (pantographed) not stamped.

The damage could be battle damage, but more likely just rough handling during its lifetime, and very possibly the result of someone who had no idea of how to disassemble the gun trying to force the takedown lever open...

photo-war · 07-01-2014, 09:40 AM

John many thanks! It is all clear with this one now!

Best regards,
Alexander

alanint · 07-01-2014, 10:12 AM

I agree with John's points. This is classic damage by someone who did not understand the takedown process. A flat bladded screwdriver or similar tool was inserted between the upper receiver rail and the takedown lever and twisted in an effort to force the lever down. This to the extent where it looks like they broke the original lever and replaced it with a commercial or aftermarket lever, (note no visible serial or Erfurt stampings).

Is the lever marked in any way?

Ben M. · 07-01-2014, 10:36 AM

would engraving on the barrel numbers leave hallos? Seems like that shows up with a hammer strike to number dies.

ithacaartist · 07-01-2014, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben M.

would engraving on the barrel numbers leave hallos? Seems like that shows up with a hammer strike to number dies.

Nope. Engraving removes material. Stamping displaces it and disturbs the finish so that the halos appear.

DavidJayUden · 07-01-2014, 10:59 AM

Does the "S" and "A" barrel stamps suggest a Finnish re-barrel?
dju

John Sabato · 07-01-2014, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

Does the "S" and "A" barrel stamps suggest a Finnish re-barrel?
dju

I don't think so David. IMHO I think the two characters would be the same font and size if they were of Finnish origin... but I could be wrong... just ask my wife!

photo-war · 07-01-2014, 02:05 PM

His 'brother' (P.08 byf41, came from the same source) has PSE marking on barrel - I guess this is from Norway.

07-01-2014, 06:52 AM	#1
photo-war User Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 35 Thanks: 24 Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	Erfurt 1918 Dear Froum members! I appreciate your thoughts on this ERFURT 1918 Luger, especialy about its barrel marking. I have never seen anything before like this - could be this period done arsenal re-work? May be someone will recognize this marking. Thanks in advance for any information! Best regards, Alexander Attached Thumbnails

07-01-2014, 09:28 AM	#2
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	This is now considered a Shooter class gun, and not a collectible. The gun has been refinished. Perhaps more than once. The barrel is a replacement, but it does not look like it was done by an arsenal. The serial number on the barrel was engraved (pantographed) not stamped. The damage could be battle damage, but more likely just rough handling during its lifetime, and very possibly the result of someone who had no idea of how to disassemble the gun trying to force the takedown lever open... __________________ 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..."*

07-01-2014, 10:12 AM	#4
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	I agree with John's points. This is classic damage by someone who did not understand the takedown process. A flat bladded screwdriver or similar tool was inserted between the upper receiver rail and the takedown lever and twisted in an effort to force the lever down. This to the extent where it looks like they broke the original lever and replaced it with a commercial or aftermarket lever, (note no visible serial or Erfurt stampings). Is the lever marked in any way? Last edited by alanint; 07-01-2014 at 01:39 PM.

07-01-2014, 09:40 AM	#3
photo-war User Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 35 Thanks: 24 Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	John many thanks! It is all clear with this one now! Best regards, Alexander

07-01-2014, 10:36 AM	#5
Ben M. User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Retired to Naples, FL. Posts: 486 Thanks: 86 Thanked 121 Times in 81 Posts	would engraving on the barrel numbers leave hallos? Seems like that shows up with a hammer strike to number dies.

07-01-2014, 10:59 AM	#7
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Does the "S" and "A" barrel stamps suggest a Finnish re-barrel? dju

07-01-2014, 02:05 PM	#9
photo-war User Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 35 Thanks: 24 Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	His 'brother' (P.08 byf41, came from the same source) has PSE marking on barrel - I guess this is from Norway.