November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
Standard configuration P.08 manufactured by DWM under contract for the Imperial German military. These pistols were among the very first P.08s delivered to the German military after the P.08's acceptance in 1908, and were delivered in March of 1909. The first delivered P.08 Lugers followed the original directive imposed in 1907, with P.08s being issued to machine gun units at a rate of 20 P.08 Lugers per company. This example properly bears no date of manufacture over the chamber area, with the left side exhibiting an Imperial German Reichsadler follow by two crown inspectors proofs. Imperial German Reichsadler is also present on the left side of the barrel and the left side of the breechblock. Toggle bears the "DWM" monogram. The front grip strap is unit marked "33.R.M.G.15.", indicating that this was weapon number 15 of the 33rd Machine Gun Regiment. The right side of the frame has been arsenal modified, adding the hold-open device and bears a crown over "D" inspector's proof. Major metal components are rust blued, with some smaller components being strawed. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered walnut grips. All numbers are matching and are stamped in the early hidden commercial fashion. Firing pin is unmarked and left grip panel is mismatched. Right grip panel matches, but appears to be a replacement made at one point in time, possibly at the arsenal. This example is accompanied by two magazines that have been fitted with contemporary wood bottoms and have been renumbered to matched. CONDITION: Metal components retain good amounts of their original rust blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning all around to gray and brown patinas. Strawed components retain fair amounts of their original finish, with worn areas showing spots of age-related discoloration. Bore is bright, exhibiting a few small spots of inactive oxidation and retaining good rifling throughout. Grips show some smoothing as well as a few minor nicks to the diamonds but are otherwise sturdy and serviceable. A very desirable P.08 that was one of the first Lugers delivered under contract to the German military in 1909. MLW
Accessories
Extra Magazine