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German Luger 'DWM' Model 1908 Military Pistol Dated 1911
Guns International #: 100920231 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Luger Pistols - Military Pistols - Non-US
Seller's Information
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Seller: A & A Gaines Antiques
Member Since: 11/2/08
State: Rhode Island
Zip: 02840
Country: United States
Phone: (401) 846-0538
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 66
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: USPS Postal Money Order or Bank Check
Description:
A fine example of an early military Luger model 1908 produced by 'DWM' for the Imperial German Army and dated 1911. It is a 9mm pistol with 4" barrel and early Imperial German Military markings.
Early 'DWM' military Model 1908 Luger pistols (pre 1914) were not produced in large numbers, 'DWM' produced only some 13,000 military pistols in 1911. These early pistols had two military stamps on the right side of the slide whereas later pistols had three marks. The 1911 pistols differed from post 1914 pistols in that they were built without shoulder stock lugs and magazine hold-open devices (lack of the hold-open device was to save on cost). Use in the field and in military conflicts within the German African colonies showed German ordnance that their Model 1908 pistols should have been built with magazine hold-open devices. Consequently these early military Lugers were recalled to have hold-open devices fitted. The retrofit work was done by the Imperial German Arsenal at Erfurt starting some time in 1913 and continued into 1914. The Erfurt added hold-open devices were numbered to the pistols and their rear toggle pins were also numbered which was standard procedure at 'Erfurt'. Those Model 1908 pistols which showed the effects of combat service in places like Africa were fully refurbished by Erfurt. When completed they were stamped with a small 'Erfurt' proofmark on the right side of their frames above and behind the trigger and re-issued to Imperial German units.
This 1911 'DWM' Luger shows a complete 'Erfurt' 1913-1914 refit and bears appropriate 'Erfurt' markings. All pistol serials match with the exception of the sideplate which is un-numbered (but has a '3' and an initial? stamped inside). The sideplate matches the pistol in all ways including it's 'Erfurt' rust blue finish and condition.
The great majority of surviving early, pre 1914, military Lugers are found in considerably used condition due to their having been in military service and combat before WW-I. They were also the first sidearms issued to troops at the start of the 'Great War' in August 1914. Consequently these pistols saw more hard service and had a relativerly low survival rate. This 1911 Luger has managed to survive in excellent condition.
Condition: This luger retains 96% origional 'Erfurt' 1913-1914 rust blue finish. The bore is fine with sharp rifling and some frosting from use with corrosive primer ammunition. Mechanics are excellent. The safety, trigger, take down lever, magazine release, and ejector retain 50%+ straw color. Serial numbers match except for the un-numbered 'Erfurt' sideplate and walnut grips which are marked inside with an '83'. The grips are in fine to excellent condition with old surface. The proper military magazine is in original excellent condition with non-matching number and military mark.
Overall this early Imperial German military Luger has survived in far better condition than the majority of Lugers in its time period. It would display very well in a fine collection of Lugers or German military handguns.
NOTE: This pistol is being sold as a collector's item and should not be fired without being fully checked by a professional gunsmith.This pistol must be shipped to an FFL, or C&R license holder. It cannot be shipped to any locations that do not recognize C&R licenses such as NYC, NJ, etc. Buyers are fully responsible for abiding by their local firearms regulations. We will not ship outside the USA. For the benefit of foreign buyers we will ship to fully licensed firearms export agent within the USA.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: DWM
Model: 1908
Serial Number: 7768d
Caliber Info: 9mm
Condition: Excellent
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: very fine
Finish: blue
Manufacture Date: 1911