July 13-15, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2021
One of only 20,000 First Issue P.08 Lugers manufactured by DWM under contract for the German Military. This example exhibits rust blue finish on the major metal components, with smaller components being strawed and nitre blued. The left side of the receiver is stamped with 3 DWM arsenal proofs, with an additional arsenal proof on the right side of the frame, indicting the arsenal hold-open device alteration. German imperial eagle is present on the left side of the receiver, barrel, and breechblock. Chamber area is blank, with the toggle bearing the DWM monogram in the center. Front gripstrap is unit marked "2.G.6.2.". Matching numbers include the frame, locking bolt, sideplate, trigger, barrel, receiver, breechblock, and toggles links. Grips and firing pin spring guide are appropriately unnumbered. This already scarce First Issue P.08 is accompanied by capture paperwork dated August 2nd of 1945, identifying this Luger as being captured by Corporal Joseph V. Simpson, who was attached to the 757th Railway Shop Battalion. Additional accoutrements include an Otto Sindel 1943 dated P.38 holster that is adorned with an SS kepi pin, two blued "fxo" marked luger magazines, as well as a 1941 dated German small caliber competition booklet that is affix with a German World War II pin on the interior. CONDITION: Metal components retain bountiful amounts of their period rust blue finish, exhibiting few areas of wear that show through to gray patina, as well as areas of freckling all around. Rear grip strap exhibits thinning that show through to a gray patina, as well as some light surface oxidation. Strawed components retain fair amounts of their original finish, showing wear all around and age related discoloration all around, and with the balance turning a gray patina. Bore is very bright, showing some very light surface oxidation and retains good rifling throughout. Grips are very good, showing some light smoothing to the checkering as well as a few nicks and impressions. Holster shows some crazing and some scattered handling marks. Plastic bottom "fxo" magazine bears several cracks, but is otherwise fine. An already fine and scarce DWM First Issue P.08, that is accompanied by World War II capture paperwork that highlights this example's unique history. -MLW-
Accessories
P.38 Holster, extra magazine
Paperwork
Capture papers, 1941 dated German booklet