*RARE* 1908 DWM P.08 Bulgarian Lion Crest Luger Cyrillic Marked Pre-WWI P08

Description:
MANUFACTURER: DEUTSCHE WAFFEN- UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN (DWM)
MODEL: P.08 LUGER – BULGARIAN CONTRACT
ISSUE DATE: 1908
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: GERMANY (MANUFACTURED FOR BULGARIA)
SERIAL NUMBER: 3624
MANUFACTURER CODE: DWM (COMMERCIAL SCRIPT MONOGRAM)
WAFFENAMT / PROOFS: EARLY COMMERCIAL CROWN PROOFS; BULGARIAN CONTRACT MARKINGS
ISSUED BRANCH: BULGARIAN ARMY
CONFLICT DEPLOYMENT: BALKAN WARS; WORLD WAR I
PROVENANCE/RECORDS: EARLY BULGARIAN MILITARY CONTRACT WITH CYRILLIC SAFETY AND EXTRACTOR MARKINGS
ARMORY/INSPECTION MARKS: BULGARIAN LION CREST ON TOGGLE; CYRILLIC SAFETY; BULGARIAN-MARKED EXTRACTOR
CALIBER: 9MM LUGER
CAPACITY: 8 ROUNDS
BARREL LENGTH: 3.94"
BARREL FEATURES: FIXED BARREL, SERIAL MATCHED TO RECEIVER (VISIBLE COMPONENT NUMBERING)
RIFLING: RIGHT-HAND TWIST
OPERATING SYSTEM: SHORT-RECOIL, TOGGLE-LOCKED
ACTION: SEMI-AUTO
TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION
IRON SIGHTS: FRONT BLADE, V-NOTCH REAR
FRAME: STEEL FRAME WITH LANYARD LOOP
GRIP: CHECKERED WALNUT PANELS
FIREARM FINISH: ORIGINAL BLUED FINISH WITH STRAWED COMPONENTS
CONDITION: GOOD MILITARY CONDITION WITH CLEAR CREST AND DISTINCT CYRILLIC MARKINGS
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: BULGARIAN NATIONAL LION CREST ON REAR TOGGLE; CYRILLIC SAFETY AND EXTRACTOR MARKINGS; EARLY COMMERCIAL DWM SCRIPT MONOGRAM
WHAT’S INCLUDED: PISTOL & MAGAZINE

This is an early and highly desirable DWM P.08 Luger manufactured for the Kingdom of Bulgaria circa 1908, representing one of the most distinctive and sought-after pre–World War I foreign military contracts. Bulgaria adopted the Luger as a modern sidearm for its expanding army during a period of rapid militarization leading into the Balkan Wars and later World War I. These contract pistols are far scarcer than standard German military models and occupy a special tier in advanced Luger collections.

Mechanically, this pistol retains the classic short-recoil, toggle-locked system that made the P.08 legendary for precision and balance. The fixed 3.94" barrel and single-action trigger provide the crisp handling characteristics that defined early Luger performance. The craftsmanship typical of early DWM production is evident throughout, from the machining lines to the finely cut checkered walnut grips.

What sets this example apart is its unmistakable Bulgarian contract configuration. The rear toggle bears the Bulgarian national lion crest, while the safety is marked in Cyrillic “Fire", and the extractor carries Bulgarian script as well—features unique to this contract and immediately recognizable to knowledgeable collectors. These details confirm its intended issue to the Bulgarian Army rather than German domestic service.

Bulgarian Lugers were produced in limited quantities and saw service through the Balkan Wars and World War I, making surviving examples with intact crests and legible Cyrillic markings increasingly difficult to source. Serial number 3624 falls within the known early contract range, and the visible matching component numbers support its originality. Condition, crest clarity, and correct markings are the key drivers of value in these pistols—this example checks those boxes.

With its bold lion crest, distinctive Cyrillic legends, and early DWM commercial script monogram, this Bulgarian contract P.08 carries undeniable visual presence and historical weight. It stands not only as a classic Luger but as a rare foreign-contract military sidearm that represents the expansion of the Luger platform beyond Germany’s borders. For the advanced collector seeking a scarce and internationally significant variation, this is a standout opportunity.

***Please see pictures for condition and wear***

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DISCLAIMER
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Handgun Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum (9mm Luger, 9x19mm NATO)
Manufacturer: DEUTSCHE WAFFEN- UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN (DWM)
Model: P.08 LUGER – BULGARIAN CONTRACT
Serial Number: 3624
Barrel Length: 3.94
Bore Info: Strong
Condition: Good
Metal Condition: Good
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Good
Manufacture Date: 1908

Price: $2,499.99
Shipping: $59.99
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