April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/29/2021
Masterfully crafted by John Martz, this custom Baby Luger started life as World War I production DWM P.08 pistol. This in-the-white example features a 2 - 1/4" barrel that is fitted with a standard Luger front sight. The receiver is marked "1916" over the chamber area, with DWM arsenal proofs on the right-hand side. Toggle bears the "DWM" monogram. The left side of the frame is stamped "JVM" and "42" within a circle underneath the sideplate, with the interior of the frame bearing "MARTZ/ PAT. PEND./ RELEASE" within an oval. The bottom of the magazine is stamped "2017". The grip and checkered walnut grip panels have been exquisitely shortened, with equivalent craftsmanship shown on the shortened magazine. Matching numbers on this example include the frame, locking bolt, trigger sideplate, safety lever, hold-open latch, receiver, trigger bar, forward toggle link, breechblock, and extractor. Accompanying this example is an unmarked loading tool and an additional shortened magazine, which are housed within a custom Baby Luger holster made by "Gale C. Morgan". Holster is marked "13" on the rear and has been properly reduced in size to match the dimensions of this Martz Baby Luger. CONDITION: Fine, as professionally built by John Martz. Metal components are excellent, showing some scattered freckling and some age-related discoloration. Protected areas under the grip panels and on the bottom of the receiver, exhibit some areas that retain their original arsenal blue finish. Locking bolt, trigger, magazine catch, and ejector retain ample amounts of their straw finish, with the exception of the safety lever, which shows some thinning. Mirror bore with well-defined lands and grooves throughout. Checkered walnut grips are excellent and show just a few areas of wear. Holster shows some scattered handling and storage marks but is otherwise excellent. A wonderfully made custom Baby Luger, that illustrates John Martz's mastery as a craftsman and gunsmith. -MLW-