Lithuanian Free Army Collaboration

[dkrphd]

As a collector/researcher of Walther pistols made in Zella-Mehlis, Thüringia in the 1930’s I am asking for historical help on three pistols found with similar unusual markings not recognized by serious authorities in the field. These handguns all made in 1938 were likely supplied to the Lithuanian pro-German collaborating forces by their SS/SD handlers. Each bears stamped markings in the same format: LFA M2XX (X=a number). The format is similar to German markings for German police forces in the mid-1930’s.

As I understand it there are 3 phases to this history. The first is from 1940-1944. The original correct name for this original group is Lietuviu Aktyvistu Frontas, or Litauische Aktistenfront. The LAF started in Berlin in 1940, but took off in Lithuania in 1941 after the German invasion to push the Russians out. Quickly the Germans supplied arms and took control of these LAF forces. Initially these units were trained by Abwehr and SD and were infiltrated into Lithuania and later used in local extermination efforts and then as police, or guards, in concentration camps, railroads, etc. up to 1943. Throughout the war these units were controlled by their German handlers. For example, the 2nd Police Battalion of these LAF police units guarded the perimeter of the nearby Majandek (Lublin) concentration camp in mid-1942 to mid-1943.

The second period would be 1944-1945. In mid-1944 the Lithuanian Free(dom) Army (LLA), or Litauische Frei(heit) Armee was formed (LFA would also accord with German, Polish and Russian syntax). I assume that the abbreviation is based on the German. The change in the abbreviation would suggest that these markings were applied as late as 1944. In 1944 the LFA were attached to frontline German police regiments and used to resist and harass the advancing Russian army. The current owner of one gun tells a story that involves pro-German action behind Russian forces. Such parachute operations indeed occurred from mid-November to mid-December 1944 around Telsiai, Svencionys, and Panevezys with the help of German intelligence.

The third period would be the post-war period from 1945-1953, or later, in which the Soviets were trying to suppress these Lithuanian partisans. This seems an unlikely period to explain these markings.

Still the problem is why all 3 guns would have been produced within a defined range in 1938. Unless there is an explanation for marking them at the factory in 1938 they would have had to have been issued out of existing German inventory and marked later outside of the Walther factory. Any evidence to explain this abbreviation appreciated.