1923 Undated Simson

This is a 1923 Simson & Co., Luger made for the German Weimar Military. It is 9mm with a 4" barrel length and is fantastically proofed. This Parabellum has all matching serial numbers to include matching, original grips. Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen." The barrel is numbered and proofed and matches the frame. (796)

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Simson & Co., manufactured Lugers for the German Military from 1922 to 1934 in Suhl Germany. This weapon shows no evidence of being a re-work or just assembled by Simson from DWM or Erfurt parts. As with most Lugers, the tale of the gun is in its proofs and these Simson proofs place it as a newly manufactured gun made in 1923.

The tale remains in the proofs. Note above the 1st and 2nd Military proofs, the "33" parts qualifications proof, and then the Simson final acceptance proof; all finely struck and good examples. The final acceptance stamp also appears on the front toggle. Also note the Weimar acceptance Eagle.

The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the left side of the receiver, under the barrel and the last two digits on most small parts. All serials match not including the magazine that is correct with all proofs. There are inspector marks all over the weapon in a variety of eagle 6 stamps. Most prominent is the Eagle 6 Simpson Military First Inspection proof. Proof marks are well struck and clearly visible.

Note the serial number and Weimar proof on the breechblock.

The Simson Luger association was a by-product of the Treaty of Versailles. Then as the only producer of Lugers, Simson inherited (bought?) all the parts, dies and equipment of Erfurt after the First World War.

Unfortunately, this firm was Jewish owned and when Hitler came to power its association with Luger production ended.




Here is visible the three digit serial number, the exact caliber, and the 1st Military parts proof on the front trigger guard and under the locking bolt lever.

The grips are serial numbered to the gun. The magazine is proofed with the very early Circle Triangle S of Simson and the Eagle 6. Simson numbered the magazines with a Roman Numeral to indicate the 1st, 2nd and 3rd magazine of a rig.

Simson & Co., received the machinery from the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt and apparently some of the tradesman that worked at the Erfurt factory. The method of proofing every part is reminiscent of the Erfurt's where no detail was too small. What a wonderful gun to study. The thumb safety has the serial number on top and the Simson Eagle 6 on the bottom.
Even the grip screws are proofed (Up) making this an extraordinary example of the early '20s Simson manufactured Luger. On the right you can see where the Eagle 6 Proof is on the stock lug. A characteristic of only the Simson Lugers.

Simson's due to their limited production and fine quality have become recognized for their investment value by collectors much like the Krieghoff. If one is to have one Simson in their collection this would be the one. If you are a Simson collector you would know how difficult it is to find one of these undated models in this fine of condition. See Lugers at Random P 222-223.