Summer 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
August 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
EXCEPTIONAL LUFTSCHIFFER (ZEPPELIN) 1912 ERFURT LUGER & RIG FROM CAPTAIN LINNARZ
26-15 | Phenomenal Erfurt Luger Cal. 9mmP. | SN: 6179a.
Made in 1912 with unit markings on the front strap, two matching magazines, and holster with inked ownership from Captain 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 “+”. Added pull-up strap. Complete with a period commercial 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 Linnartz, Luftschiff No. 1, Berlin-Reinickendorf”.
Internet research revealed that Captain Lennarz, 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”.
n 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. 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.
