Simson and HZA question

[318is_Parabellum]

Main questions I have regarding the Simson I have concerns the meaning of the unit markings, in addition to the timing.

I understand that the Weimar-era Reichswehr had received a directive sometime in the 20's to stop unit-marking side arms.

My Simson was manufactured sometime in the 1928-1929 timeframe, and it seems likely was issued to a "trench mortar" outfit. Assuming I am interpreting the "M. W." (minenwerfer) mark correctly. I am a bit stumped when it comes to interpreting the rest of the unit marking. I am reasonably confident that the small "u." stands for "und" (and). In the context of "M.W./L.u.V.J.3, that makes sense. The "3" probably indicates that the pistol is "#3".


My main question regarding the HZA rework has to do with the unusual (to my eye) HzAjt18 Eagle and Swastika proof in the final firing proof (test proof?) location. In all my internet searching, I have never seen another photo of that marking, nor have I come across any reference to this particular stamping. I did come across a reference the Hza jt18 itself (thank you Dwight Gruber), but not in conjunction with a firing proof. My SWAG is that the proof was applied as the pistol was "recertified" as safe to fire...

Thanks again, and apologies for the attempted thread hi-jack. Please move as is necessary/appropriate.

I haven't been to "Luger University", as reference books are expensive. I do look forward to acquiring some in the near-ish future. For now, I must satisfy my thirst for luger knowledge by acquiring an "on-line associate's degree", if you will.

[Edward Tinker]

Hello, I copied your posting here - this is his original posting
http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=30921

Can you show pictures of the markings?

If I am remembering right, the HZA marking doesn't sound odd to me, but would have to see it.

[318is_Parabellum]

Thanks Ed.

The Simson I am referring to is #5827, blank chamber that I posted in the Unit Markings forum. It is a Russian capture with the typical replacement Czech-made crown n-proofed barrel, with a ground and force-matched sideplate. I posted many detailed photos in the thread.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=30921

I posted many pics of the HZA rework in the "All P-08 Military Lugers" forum. The Eagle and Swastika HzA jt18 firing/test proof is the particular marking I am referring to. The HZA jt3 with a "stick eagle" is the most common marking of this type that I have found in my internet researching, but I've never seen the Eagle and Swastika as part of an HZA stamp. Those much more knowledgeable than I may have some more insight into this unusual marking...

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=31666

thanks again!!

The marking in question.

[Dwight Gruber]

The eagle/swastika is the army proof eagle. Depot 18 at Jngolstadt was one which specialized in P08s, and this mark suggests that it had its own proof facility and proofing officer.

--Dwight