[Guest_V]

George,
The Berlin National Library (Staatsbibliothek) has a useful collection of Ludwig Loewe Company documents. Loewe was one of the first to attempt the introduction of North American production methods, aiming to improve quality and increase output. Previously, foremen had been hired, who in turn employed groups of workers on piece rates. Changing this system led to increased labour unrest and, after WWI, strikes led to layoffs. Workers looted the factory and a substantial part of the production was pilfered by employees who had not been paid. These weaons are probably responsible for a large proportion of the „sneak“ and unmarked Lugers.

Patrick

 

[Guest_V]

During the aftermath of WWI, workers´ committees effectively controlled most of the industry in Berlin (and elsewhere in Germany). Wages were not paid. It was up to groups of workers to make and sell whatever they could. At around this time Georg Luger died and was buried in a pauper´s grave in Rahnsdorf, on the outskirts of Berlin. A large number of Lugers were made out of pilfered and re-worked parts and sold illegally.

Patrick