Erfurt 1917

[ratzo]

A 1917 Erfurt 80 to 90 percent on the blue, matching numbers including the Mag also comes with a Holster and tool, the problem is that someone ground off the part that holds the Board or Stock. This was relayed to me by a Doctor who stated that his Dad came home with the Gun after the War and it was put away, and that was the end of it until his Father passed away and he started cleaning out the house found the gun in the holster and just wanted to get Rid of it, it was told to me by another that the part of the Gun that was ground off must have been done in Germany sometime during the War Time . A friend of mine said the only reason he could think of was that with a Large hand the notch may have been in his way when holding the luger. I can get this Gun for $400.00 dollars, my question is it worth it. My friend has a luger that he wants repaired and he said it is worth it or more. I cannot hold off much longer, I know how to register now with the police. I am Not a collector but would like a peace of History to pass down to my Grandson, but I also do Not want a paperweight. I prefere the Opinions of people on this Sight.
Thanks

[George Anderson]

The stock lug was probably ground off here in the States during the 1930's when stocked pistols were outlawed. Sadly many Lugers were damaged in this way.

Regardless of the stock lug the pistol matched magazine and holster are certainly worth more than $400. Buy it if it's still available.

[ratzo]

George thanks for your reply, I bought the gun, it is in excellent shape except for the lug, but, they did a nice job you would not even notice unless you were into Lugers, ground down but looks like part of the luger.
The holster is in Good shape a little stiching came loose, but in excellent shape for the age of it, also the tool is in great shape has 2 digit number on it, in the Mag pouch was a 2nd Mag that had 8 rounds in it but, the rounds showed corrosion on them, also a Large Nail approx 5 inches long Not sure what this was for, Son does not know anything about lugers or Guns in General as stated he said his Father just put it away and forgot about it. Anyway I think it was a good deal for $400.00 dollars also with your help.

Thanks again

[Don M]

ratzo,

Sounds like you got a very good deal. Are there any markings on the front grip strap? If there are and considering the apparent quality of the grinding of the stock lug, it is possible that this was done by the German police. I would certainly be interested in more details and photos of this gun if it is police marked.

[ratzo]

Don:
No markings on the front strap, never did photo's on computer, What I read it makes No difference to me now about the Lug being ground down, I know it is Not a Collectable in the sense because of the Lug, but it is still the Complete Rig and Part of History, like I said I am just Passing it down to my Grandson.

If I learn the Photo way on the computer, I will post photo's.

[wdavid431]

I think you do have a collectable Luger (of course to me all Lugers are collectable). The problem with the lug removal seems to be the need to confirm to the law at the time and is part of the history of this pistol. This, to me, is similar to the addition of the hold open on Imperial Lugers and in no way is considered a negative adjustment to the pistol or the removal of the magazine or sear safety in later years.
Regardless, you have a 1917 Luger in good shape with hoister. This is a great piece of history to have and pass on. My suggestion is to keep it for what it is and love it for what it represents.

[Edward Tinker]

Originally posted by wdavid431
I think you do have a collectable Luger (of course to me all Lugers are collectable). The problem with the lug removal seems to be the need to confirm to the law at the time ..

not to disagree, but this was a "assumed" interpretation of the law, the US gov't never said that taking the stock lug off was required or having one made it illegal. It was thought and many considered it illegal at one time to own a Artillery Stock and a 4 inch luger at the same time. So, a lot of collectors had the lug ground off.

So, it affects collectability a lot; except for a few types that are still being studied (German H.P. police marked guns seem to have the stock lug ground off on "some" of them, but not all)...


Ed

[ratzo]

Do any other Forum people have a Luger with the Lug Ground Down, I have seen alot of photo's of the Luger, but, none with the Lug Off or I did Not notice it. I cannot see any reason other then some Law why a Person would grind the Lug Off, also the Man that owned the gun that returned from overseas with it, would thay take it away from him grind it down and give it back, or was it ground down in Germany when he someway got it?

He passed away and the son does not know, but the son still says that he brought it back from the war and Put it away and his dad was not a hunter or a range person and he does not remember him with the gun, nor does he have any other guns.

Like I said all numbers match including the mag, the holster is in great shape with numbers also a tool with numbers, and the luger is in 85 to 90
bluing shape, this luger looks better then alot of the ones on Auction blocks. To me the Lug isMinor, Like I said Part of History. Like a Horse with part of the Tail Missing (Can Still Win The Race). And in a Good Race people watch the Head at the Finish Not the Rear.

[ratzo]

Ed:

I forgot to tell you I purchased your Book, just waiting for it to come, I think Today.

Looks like good reading.

[Guntoter]

Making a guess here, but I am thinking this 1917 Luger is a German Police issued pistol. It has been surmised, and probably documented by a few members here, that certain German Police units had ground off the stock lug for some reason.

On the holster, is the strap that holds the top flap down, is the strap attached by sewing at one end (the lower end) and the other attached to a stud?

[ratzo]

Yes to the Holster, also has a Date of 1918.. SD 111-54.

[ratzo]

Also on the Luger whom ever ground down the Lug was very carefull when they did it, the grips are in Mint shape (Wood) I hope I can get some photo's on the Computer. With the exception of the Lug the Luger is in excellent shape, like I said I will Not sell, it is for my Grandson, all numbers match including mag. I just was in the right place at the right time when I got it. Would be nice to get some background on it.

Thanks

[DavidJayUden]

Always nice to hear of Lugers turning up. Keeps us all on our toes.

[ratzo]

There is a Luger 1917 Erfurt on the Gun Auction. Com,
Auction#118655262, that has the Lug Ground down, is there something to this, two 1917 same year with the Lug off. His looks like mine ,But, I think mine is in Better condition Plus I have the Complete Rig. I wish there was a way to find out why the removel of the Lug, now with another 1917?

I would like all the Data I can find for the Luger (History)

[wlyon]

It is not unusual to find lugers with the stock lugs ground off.I also own one. I have read many stories as to why. I think the most common one was to avoid attaching a stock to the luger. At one time it was widely assumed to be illegal to attach a stock ,therefore the easy solution was to grind off the attaching lug.There are still Federal rules on what can and cannot have a stock. Generally these are Navy and artillery that are legal. It does decrease the value somewhat to have a missing lug. There does not seem to be any uniformity of the removal, some were carefully removed and some simply ground off. Prior to mid 1913 all lugers were made without lug. Enjoy! Bill

[ratzo]

Bill:

Thanks for your Info and fast Reply