1549

Rare Nazi Sneak "KI 1933" Marked Erfurt Rework Luger Rig with Two Matching Magazines and Matching Se

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:13,000.00 - 17,000.00 USD
Rare Nazi Sneak  KI 1933  Marked Erfurt Rework Luger Rig with Two Matching Magazines and Matching Se
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Estimate: $13000 - 17000
Manufacturer: Erfurt Model: 1933
This is a very rare, and the most sought after of all early Nazi Sneak Luger pistol rigs. There have been several theories put forth as to the origins of these lugers with no real discernable explanation. In all there were three theories: 1) the "K.I." markings actually stood for "Kadet Institute", which was an early "SA" or "SS" officer's training school. That theory was discounted as no early training schools could be identified; 2) was that these were actually Concentration Camp Guard's pistols and that the "KI" is actually "K.L." and stands for "Konzentration Lager"; 3) the most recent theory, which seems to be the most plausible, is that the "K.I./1933" actually refers to some rework facility or factory responsible for rebuilding/overhauling left over WWI Lugers that were intended to be issued to early Reischeer Pioneer units or even early "Police or SS" units. The last theory could be plausible as all noted example have been from different manufacturers and have shown various rework proofs mark, mostly likely associated with the Simson & Co, who was responsible for reworking all Weimar era luger pistol from 1924-1930. This Luger started out as a WWI Erfurt Artillery Luger as it still has the small notch on the front edge of the barrel extension for the artillery rear sight with the standard "Crown/ERFURT" marked toggle. The right side of the barrel extension has the old "Crown/RC and Crown/Script D" proofs both from the original Erfurt manufacture. The right side of the barrel extension has the same "Crown/RC and Crown/D" proofs next to two "Crown" proofs next to the late Simson & Co. Eagle firing proof. The right side of the barrel also has a single Simson & Co. single Eagle firing proof directly inline with the same proof on the barrel extension. The underside of the barrel is marked with only the bore diameter "8,82". The majority of all the other parts have some form of "Crown/Script D" proof typically of those associated with Erfurt manufacture. It is complete with two original magazines. Both have nickel plated magazine bodies with wooden bases. Both are matching to the Luger and are marked "70/Crown D" and "70/+/Crown D" proofed. This excellent Luger rig is complete with an early 1933/1934 era military style black leather holster. The holster is stamped on the inside of the flap "HANS-ROEMER/1918/NEU-ULM", and directly below that it is ink stamped "B A XI", which was a typical late Weimar era property stamp and the front flap is stamped with the matching number "70". The back side of the holster also carries a single larger "Crown/I". This pistol has all matching numbered parts to include both magazine and the holster. These are one of those unique Lugers of a somewhat unknown origin that is very rarely encountered today. In the reference book on Weimar Lugers by Jan Still, he lists approximately 25 known "K.l./1933" dated Lugers, so the total production is estimated to be very low, and most likely never totaled more than 100 pistols, which again would coincide with the third theory noted above.
BBL: 3 7/8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 9 mm Luger
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 70
Condition:
Very fine with 95% original arsenal refurbished blue finish overall with only minor edge and high spot wear. The grips are also very fine with nice distinct checkering overall. The various small parts retain 75% of their original arsenal refurbished straw colors. The holster is very fine plus overall with a nice even black dyed leather finish with minor scratches and scuffs, and clear sharp markings with tight stitching. This is one of the more interesting and unique Weimar era/early Nazi era Lugers that we have had for sale, coupled with the extremely low numbers of actual Luger produced, really elevates this to a very scarce and desirable Luger rig that is complete with all matching numbers.