1914 Erfurt Luger 8" Barrel
I came into possession of a 1914 Erfurt Luger. I have two goals 1)Identify all the proofs 2) Determine value. Can someone point me to a source for proofs? As far as value, the firearm is clean with wear in the bluing. Bore is good. S/N is 40xx and matches on all parts less the clip which has no s/n or proof but is wood. The word "GERMANY" is stamped in English just above the grip but all proofs I have identified indicate this weapon is military (not commercial export); can anyone clear this up for me? This piece has no double date stamp thus I believe it was not remanufactured. From what I have read, there were only 23,000 made at Erfurt in 1914 and this 8" version was deemed illegal after the WWI thus many were destroyed while others were remanufactured and outfitted with a shorter barrel. Is there any truth to any of this. Sorry for so many questions but I do appreciate any help anyone can provide. Thank you!
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Hello The book luger at random is a very good book for proof marks also book by Jan C. Still but thy are pricey
EDIT EDIT HELLO if you Email me pictures I will take a look and use my books of course in hand is a much better way to tell if original. my email is karlwoerner@vatractor.com0 -
The country of origin is required on manufactured goods imported to the U.S. The "Germany" marking means that it was exported from Germany to the U.S. for commercial sale, probably in the 1920's.
Depending on if the Erfurt is in arsenal original condition, and other factors such as cosmetics. The "Germany" would have a effect on collectors value. Many collectors would question its originality because of it.
It would be best if you could post quality close-up photos of the Erfurt.0 -
Look under the barrel near the chamber end. The gun, if it has its original barrel, will have a matching SerNo stamped there. If not, it's not original, as the original was removed or cut down, and a longer barrel added at a later date to return the gun to original configuration. Best, Joe
EDIT For Clarification
I wasn't good at the post above. The SerNo should be on the barrel. There's a SerNo nearby on the frame, also. Not what I'm refering to. Sorry if I've mislead you.0 -
Givette - The serial number under the barrel matches. Thanks for the book titles Perry Shooter. I have plenty of photos but can't seem to get them attached to this reply. 0 -
I still can't seem to figure out how to attach photos. I would be more than happy to email photos. If there is a particular view you would prefer to see, please specify.
Another note: I also have a leather holster dated 1915 (though in bad shape) and the stock. I cannot find a serial number on the stock.0 -
Regarding the barrel - I also checked the alignment marks on the barrel and the recevier; they are perfectly aligned. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by tma00
I still can't seem to figure out how to attach photos. I would be more than happy to email photos. If there is a particular view you would prefer to see, please specify.
Another note: I also have a leather holster dated 1915 (though in bad shape) and the stock. I cannot find a serial number on the stock.
It's easy to post pictures. Directions are found right on this forum!
[8D] Have fun! welcome to the board!0 -
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The 4 proof marks on the right side of the receiver, are the standard proofs found on most W W I era Lugers. They are in order from the rear,
1), The receiver heat treat proof.
2), Pistol ready for test firing.
3), Test firing completed.
4), Is the actual Military Proof/acceptance Mark.
From the photos the Erfurt appears to be original, and in very good condition.0 -
[:p] it`s a fine pistol.
and being manafactured in 1914...of course the start of ww1...but having the english word germany stamped on it makes me think it could have been made for sale outside germany...either the u.s. or maybe britain,but then the war started and they just used what parts they had to fulfill their military contracts..
i have to thank hairy for these thoughts though...he sent me some mighty handy books on lugers,so iv`e been reading flat out and TRYING to absorb all iv`e been reading[B)]
i don`t know how much you paid for it, but i`ll guarantee you that if you hold on to it for 5 or 10 years you will get more for it...a lot more most likely[;)]
well, back to the books for me,i`ll see if i can work anything out about it from the numberds and marks...if i come across anything i`ll let you know.
in the mean time,brag to all your friends about it...i know i would![:D][:D]0 -
One of the neat things about Erfurt Parabellums is that every piece except the springs had a Fraktur crown proof. Fraktur is the old Germanic letters with a crown. Even the screws will have two digits and a Fraktur proof.
I think I see one on your sideplate but can't be sure. While numbers can be changed or added with reproduction stamps, I've never seen or heard of repo Fraktur stamps.
An expert will use a loupe to determine if any funny business has taken place with the numbers, but the absence of the stamp is a dead giveaway that Erfurt didn't produce that part.
Here's a good website: http://luger.gunboards.com/0
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