SOLD - Rare Nazi Sneak "KI 1933" Marked Erfurt Rework Luger

Description

5/7/25 - This is a very rare, and the most sought after of all early Nazi Sneak Luger pistols. There have been several theories put forth as to the origins of these lugers with no real discernible 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 examples 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 pistols 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. 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. This one has retained roughly 80-85% of its finish with minor spotty wear throughout with some minor thinning and brown patina on the grip straps. Fitted with mismatched wood grips and comes with a mismatched magazine - small chip in the wood bottom. Excellent bore.