July 13-15, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2021
One of 25,000 Model 1908 First Issue Luger manufactured by DWM for the Imperial Germany Army. These Lugers were the first true military contract Lugers issued to the German Military. This example is rust blued, with the small parts being strawed, as well as nitre blued grip screws, magazine catch spring, sear bar retaining spring, and toggle axle pins. Hold open device has been added and bears a proof indicating its arsenal alteration. The chamber area is blank, with DWM proofs being present on the left hand side. Imperial German eagle is present on the left side of the receiver, barrel, and breechblock. Front grip strap is unit marked "57.R.4.1." indicating issue to the 13th Reserve Division, 57th Reserve Infantry Regiment, 4th Battalion. All numbers are matching and were applied in the early military fashion, with the exception of the firing pin, checkered walnut grips, and magazine, which are all unserialized. Complete with a scanned short history of the 13th Reserve Division during World War I. CONDITION: Metal components retain the vast majority of their original rust blue finish, exhibiting some scattered areas of wear and a few areas of light thinning. Grip straps exhibits a few small concentrated areas of cleaned oxidation, but are otherwise fine. Strawed components retain fair to good levels of finish, and exhibit age related discoloration all around. Bore is fair, exhibiting oxidation and fair rifling throughout. Checkered walnut grips show smoothing to the checkering and bear a few small nicks and impressions, with the grip screws retaining traces of their original finish, having turned a gray patina. A very nice example of a Model 1908 Luger that was part of the first contract supplied to the Germany Military. -MLW-
Paperwork
Unit Marking Information