1926 Simson

[Edward Tinker]

I saw this Simson about 13 or 14 years ago at Ralph Shattucks house. A group of us had gotten together, using Ralphs place as main course on two occasions, the Friday get together was at GT's house. I looked at the Simson this time and then several years later. This was when I was interested, but not a Simson collector. I knew Ralph had a 1925 and a 1926 Simson and asked him for pictures, I was able to get the ones you see in our Simson book.
He sent me pictures of a number of lugers - The 1925 and 1926 I was not able to get pictures sent to me, but he brought the 1926 to the Reno show March 2006. There I took the pictures that are in the book and also shown on the Rock Island Auction. For several years I have been hoping to get the chance to buy either the 1925 or the 1926.

I sold sn 12 to buy this, which I regret, but I am pleased the new owner has it and now I have an ultra-rare 1926.
Now for the info - it has one good marked grip screw
both grips are eagle 6 marked and the full serial number
the firing pin is marked but not numbered, the firing pin retainer is eagle 6 marked
all items are serial numbered and/or marked with an eagle six to include the stock lug.
Overall it is in original, nice shape, the barrel interior is slightly pitted but overall good shape, and its witness mark is good and its sn has some halo.

I have extra grip screws and an eagle 6 firing pin...

Since I have been collecting Simson serial numbers, I have eleven 1926 dated Simsons in my database, with two that should not be 1926 (faked) and only eight verified (seen by myself or collectors I know) and this is one of the eight.
Serial number 595 is the highest 1925 I have in my database and its just an observed number, no pictures or other information. SN 608 is by a known collector as the first 1926 and 684 owned by John is the highest known of the 1926.
SN 701 is not dated (I own it) so, that tells me that the highest number could be #700...

[DavidJayUden]

The quest never ends...
dju

[Edward Tinker]

I looked in my Simson parts, have only a few - replaced the grip screws with original eagle 6 screws and only had one S marked firing pin. Amazingly enough, it is serial number 56 ... meant to be?

[DonVoigt]

Probably the original striker!

Nice to get what you want for Christmas, congrats.

[alvin]

Not easy... even only 2 digit is a slim one out of a hundred chance. And, consider the total Simson volume is tiny...

The striker shows a brighter line in both pictures (under in 1st pix, and on the left in the 2nd pix), is that a crack?

[lugerholsterrepair]

Amazing Ed! Thanks for showing.

[Lugerdoc]

Ed, Judging by the narrow aspect (thin) die set used on the 56 and the S code, your FP is probably for a K date Mauser. TH

[Edward Tinker]

Alvin, I thinks it's just the light, might be a scratch?

Tom, you are probably right, it'll be ok for now and I'll look for an eagle 6 firing pin.

[jcoe]

Congratulations Ed, great show!
B Regds, John

[Kri 1942]

Congratulations Ed, for buying this rare Simpson dated 1926 ...
I was on the auction ... but I have not had!

Joël

[Sergio Natali]

Ed

A "1926 Simson"!
Honestly I think that must be one of the gems of your collection!
Congratulations indeed!
... and have a nice Christmas!

[mrerick]

Ed, It's amazing that you also had what could be the original firing pin (or, most likely the original - but how could it be anything else?)... Would the original have been E/6 marked, or just have the "S" concealment code? Are there manufacturing marks that can link it to Simson manufacture?

In any case, your generosity deserves to be rewarded! Happy Holidays!

Marc

[JTD]

Very nice aquisition Ed. John

[Edward Tinker]

Marc, I am unsure?

As Tom says, the 'S' could be for a K date - however;
1. Its not script
2. You see the 'S' on magazines, especially eagle 46
3. S is used by Simson letterhead / adds

I was reading a book on markings and it talks about how the S was used by other companies to hide their company - yet the S was also used by Simson...

So, the question is, how many K date luger firing pins have an 'S'?

[jussi16]

I have only one part for the Simson. Are they rare?

[Edward Tinker]

How often do you see Simson marked parts?

You don't see erfurt that often, but much more often then Simson.... 500,000 made vs <12,000

[mrerick]

The thing to remember about early production is that they were still working out the manufacturing engineering process details.

There might be little consistency during such a period.

There was certainly likely to be confusion about things like marking, especially with so many cooks stirring the soup... Everyone from the plant management and government inspectors through the Versailles committee representatives.


And yes, Jussi, E/6 marked parts are very rare. Only about 12,000 guns were made.

The only thing I can see as an issue is the lack of E/6 acceptance marking, which I would expect but which might have been overlooked in any case, particularly on a part re-purposed from older stock. Of course re-uniting them is also unlikely...

Thoughts? I'd still keep them together for the future...

[Lugerdoc]

Ed, I do have a correct unnumbered E/6 FP available. PM sent today. Tom