A First World War Luger and the Personal Items of a Major with Firearms Curator Lisa Traynor

Published on January 16, 2026
Duration: 12:44

This entry details a WWI-era Erfurt P08 Luger pistol and personal items belonging to Major Charles Frederick Ashdown, curated by Lisa Traynor of the Royal Armouries. It covers the Luger's technical specifications, historical context as a trophy of war, and associated personal effects like a silver cigarette case engraved with battle locations. The expert analysis highlights the pistol's unique markings and modifications.

Quick Summary

The P08 Luger, designed by Georg Luger and manufactured by Erfurt, is a WWI-era pistol chambered in 9mm Parabellum. Key features include its toggle-lock action, a 'hold-open' modification indicated by a proof mark, and specific German military unit markings like '89.R.4.4' on the grip.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Luger & Major Ashdown's Items
  2. 01:00The P08 Luger: Inventor & Erfurt Model
  3. 02:01Major Ashdown's Personal Items: Matchbox & Cigarette Case
  4. 04:37Major Ashdown's Service Record & Military Cross
  5. 05:08Technical Details: Erfurt Luger Modifications
  6. 06:19Holster and DWM Magazine Analysis
  7. 07:09The Luger as a Trophy of War Story
  8. 08:02German Regiment Markings Explained
  9. 10:07Major Ashdown's Injury and Convalescence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a P08 Luger and who invented it?

The P08 Luger, commonly known as the Luger, is a semi-automatic pistol designed by Georg Luger. The specific model discussed was manufactured by Erfurt and is a significant firearm from World War I.

What are the key technical features of the Erfurt Luger shown?

The Erfurt Luger features a toggle-lock recoil-operated action, chambered in 9mm Parabellum. It has a 'hold-open' modification indicated by a proof mark and lacks an artillery stock lug.

What do the German regiment markings '89.R.4.4' on the Luger signify?

These markings identify the pistol as belonging to the 89th Grenadier Regiment, specifically the 4th Company. The final '4' likely indicates a rack or serial number within that company.

What personal items were associated with Major Ashdown's Luger?

Associated items include a silver matchbox holder from the Norfolk Regiment (hallmarked 1916-1917) and a silver cigarette case engraved with WWI battle locations like the Somme, highlighting his service.

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