2237

EXCEPTIONAL LUFTSCHIFFER (ZEPPELIN) 1912 ERFURT

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
EXCEPTIONAL LUFTSCHIFFER (ZEPPELIN) 1912 ERFURT
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Aug 06 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
LUGER & RIG FROM HAUPTMANN LINNARZ.Cal. 9mmP. SN: 6179a. Bbl. 4". Phenomenal Erfurt Luger made in 1912 with unit markings on the front strap, two matching magazines, and holster with inked ownership from Hauptmann Linnarz, who commanded German Zeppelin airship #1 in 1912 and in 1915 was the first German pilot to bomb London, England in Zeppelin #38.The pistol itself is scarce, a high condition 1912 Luger manufactured by Erfurt, no hold-open or stock lug, with a 4-inch barrel, drift adjustable front sight and V-notch rear sight. Forward toggle link is marked with the crown surmounting "ERFURT". Full serial number with "a" suffix marked on forward frame with the full serial number repeated under the barrel and on the left side of the receiver extension. Frontstrap marked "4.L.4.12. (4 Luftschiffer-Bataillon, 4 Komagnie, Waffen No. 12." All the usual small parts are matched to the last two digits of the serial number, except firing pin #82, and accompanied by the usual Erfurt acceptance. Finely checkered walnut grips, each panel with a matching "79" and Erfurt acceptance and two factory-matching magazines, each with tinned body, walnut plug, and dual acceptances. Primary magazine with "6179a", the spare magazine with the same suffixed by a "+". Rawhide pull-up strap. Complete with a very rare early holster, medium brown with orange stitching, lid constructed with a welted seam that is strap-secured with a brass stud. Inked ownership inscription inside lid reads: "Hauptmann Linnarz, Luftschiff No. 1, Berlin-Reinickendorf".Internet research revealed that Hauptmann Linnarz, born in Bavaria in 1879, commanded the German Zeppelin Airship No. 1 in 1912 and, in 1915, was the first German pilot to bomb London, England in World War I in Airship No. 38. After serving throughout World War I, he retired with the rank of major and, in 1939, published an article entitled "I Was London's First 'Zep' Raider," that was included in Sir John A. Hamilton's book, "The Great War".Jan Still, noted author of several authoritarian works on Lugers and other handguns used by Germany and her allies, recorded only five other Luftschiffer Lugers: Central Powers Pistols, Table 8b, page 266, co. 2007.Seldom is such an important piece discovered in such high condition from such a prominent individual in early aviation history. It has never before been offered for sale as it was purchased from the family. A guarantee of authenticity will be provided if requested.MAGS: 2. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: holster with inked ownership. CONDITION: approximately 96-97% bright original rust blue and strawed parts with sharp edge and holster wear in usual locations, especially the left side of the barrel band, tip of rails, and hump of sideplate. Comparable condition grips with oil darkening and slight diamond blunting. Magazine bodies with traces of verdigris, plugs clearly marked. Mirror bore. Correct manual mechanics with both magazines. Near excellent holster with supple leather and intact stitching showing no repairs. A wonderful and historic rig by any metric! PROVENANCE: The gun came directly from the family of a U.S. veteran who brought it home after World War II as a captured souvenir, no capture paper, and it has been in a private collection for the past 26 years. (26-15/LMA). CURIO. $15,000-22,500.