[Jan C Still]

FL SELBSTLADER, SN 55223, GERMAN ARMY ISSUE
The FL Selbstlader (also called the Langenhan) was produced by Langenhan Gewerhre und Fahrradfabrik at Zella-Mehlis from 1915-1918. These are in .32 caliber, bear C/N proofs on the right or left side, and most reported bear an Imperial Army acceptance stamp on the left side. Some bear vertically grooved wood grips and others bear plastic grips. Reported serial numbers range from 2856 to 84134. About 85,000 were produced. The FL Selbstlader is on the list of ordnance and commercial pistols offered for sale by the Prussian Army Arsenal to officers on 8, August 1917. (Still, Volume I, page 42, 43, 47; Adamek, Pistols of World War I, page 66, 67) (Note: below serial number list updated 12-5-2004)

FL Selbstlader (Langenhan), Imperial Army stamped
2856 Imperial Army stamped
2856 Imperial Army stamped
5122 Imperial Army stamped
8764 Imperial Army stamped
10003 Imperial Army stamped
11757 Imperial Army stamped
11767 Imperial Army stamped
14131 Imperial Army stamped
15861 Unit stamped R.95.M.G. (Not known if Imperial Army accepted)
20366 Imperial Army stamped
24917 Imperial Army stamped Unit stamped J.R.172.M.G.10.
26162 Imperial Army stamped Unit stamped 2.E.M.G.K.18.A.K.
30789 Not Imperial Army stamped
32047 Imperial Army stamped
42087 Imperial Army stamped
43412 Imperial Army stamped
47502 Imperial Army stamped
50168 Imperial Army stamped Unit stamped R.J.R.212.10K.8.
52104 Imperial Army stamped
55082 Imperial Army stamped
55223 Imperial Army stamped
83987 unknown if Imperial Army stamped
84134 Imperial Army stamped



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Figure 1. Left side FL Selbstlader, serial number 55223.

(A single screw holds a yoke that retains the slide to the breech block. In theory, if the screw works out and the yoke rotates upward the breech block could fly into the face of the shooter. However, there are no reports of such happening and it appears to be a problem in theory only.)


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Figure 2. Right side, FL Selbstlader, serial number 55223.


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Figure 3. Details right side. It bears the C/N proofs and the inscription “F. L. SELBSTLADER D.R.G.M. 625263-633251"


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Figure 4. Details left side. It bears a single crown/scriptic letter German army acceptance stamp.


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Figure 5. FL Selbstlader, serial number 55223, with its World War I issue holster.


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Figure 6. Holster, back side.


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Figure 7. Holster: ink stamp on the inside of flap. B.A.X signifies: the Bekleidungsamt ( Clothing Procurement Office) of the X Army Corps. Holsters were issued to troops from this office.

 

[r_t_darc]

That is a very nice mid-war production pistol rig.
Here is my early production outfit with 1915 holster:

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A closeup view of holster maker's markings, and the BA-XII military depot stamp under the flap:

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Rich M.

 

[Jan C Still]

Richard
Thanks for the excellent photographs and presentation of your Langenhan rig.
Jan

 

[modar]

Jan

I have a Langenhan that has no serial number on the outside anywhere. I took it apart again today and found the serial number on the lower left side, inside of pistol grip mag channel, it is #73711. The only other numbers are on the inside and they are all #711. The front of the grip has L.K.S.194 on it. The bottom of mag also has the #194 on it. Can anyone tell me what the L.K.S.194 stands for? It also does not have a trigger bar on the outside that can be seen. At what serial number did this change take effect?

Jack

 

[runner]

I was wondering if anyone has disassembly instructions for the FL Selbstlader pistol? I have one which was unfortunately seriously water damaged along with some other pistols during a household move. The trigger mechanism is now locked up and I cannot figure out how to disassemble it. I have serached the web. and got several historical discriptions, but no instructions. thanks, Frank

 

[Olefogey]

runner,
German Pistols and Revolvers 1871-1945 by Ian V. Hogg has a good description on how to strip this pistol. The book is out of print though and the explanation is too long to print here.

Dave