Unit ID'd 1913 Erfurt Luger questions

[GeorgeP]

Hey all,

I usually hang out in the Japanese militaria forum, but I figure this question needs your collective expertise. I recently found a luger ID'd to the 180th regiment, MG comp. #9. Now, I came across a 180th regiment that fought at the Battle of the Somme, but is it possible that there were multiple 180th regiments between 1914-1918? Also, are people starting to fake unit ID markings on the WW1 lugers now? Has something like this been going on for awhile? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Tom

[Ronnie Fry]

Tom,
I've P.M'ed GWA. He is the acknowledged expert on Luger Unit Marks. You have a good question, and I'm anxious to hear his answer!! Photo's might be helpful....

r

[GWA]

The 180 Regiment was a Wuertemberger unit and fought all over the western front over the four years 1914-1918. I have a 1915 dated DWM marked to the 3rd Battalion staff of the 180th that came in a holster marked to the 180th as well as a Staff doctor in the 180th.

Can you post photos of your pistols and the unit markings? Generally speaking unit markings don't seem to be in the targets of the counterfeitors but the few that are suspected have been sexier units like Hussars and Uhlans.

[GeorgeP]

Hey Ronnie,

Thanks for the prompt response and the interest. Unfortunately, the luger is not in my possession, so I can't put up pixs.


Tom

[GeorgeP]

Hello GWA,

Thank you very much. Funny about the more exotic markings possibly being faked, it sounds very much like taking a page from the military faker's handbook on getting the piece to look/sound as awesome as possible (ran into that a few times with Am. C.W. stuff).
From memory, I think the luger's markings are 180 r MG 9, or something close. I really wish that I could get pixs to you, but it is in a glass case right now far, far away from me at this time (and it drives me nuts!). It sounds like there is a ton of great history with the luger. It comes with a leather holster marked 1938 w/ a lot of TR stamps, etc. maybe a put together combo. post-war, maybe not. Sadly, no capture papers included. If only these things could talk! If the fates are kind and I end up with it, pictures will most definitely be posted ASAP. Thanks again.

[teckman]

If it is from a machine gun company, it could be very rare. Those companies were quite small, and Imperial regimental steins designated to machine gun companies are greatly sought after.

[lugernut]

Up to 1916 their were only one M.G. company per Regiment after 1916 they had up to four and six M.G. company's per regiment. Most people are not interested in unit marks so the fakes are not that much of a problem. But I suspect this will change just look at some of the high prices on unit mark swords and bayonets on ebay. Over the years I have sold some rare unit marked bayonets for big money. But will not sell any of my unit marked Lugers. If you know what to look for a fake unit mark is pretty easy to spot.