November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
Standard configuration P.08 Luger manufactured by Mauser under contract for the German military during World War II. It is believed that at some point in 1942, the German army transferred the first 5,000 "M" block Lugers to Portugal after stamping them with German military acceptance proofs. These Lugers do not bear any of the usual commercial or Portuguese applied markings found on the earlier Portuguese contract Lugers, instead only bearing the typical German markings and proofs. This example's receiver is stamped "42" over the chamber with Mauser eagle over "135" acceptance proofs present on the right side. Toggle bears Mauser's "byf" code. Eagle firing proofs are present on the right side of the receiver, the right side of the barrel, as well as the left side of the breechblock. All numbers are matching with the exception of the firing pin and magazine. Grips are hand-scribed on their interior to match. Major metal components exhibit a phosphate finish, with the trigger bar assembly and receiver axle pin being blued. This pistol is featured on pages 790 & 1087 of "The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols" by Joachim Gortz & Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. PROVENANCE: Sold at the James D. Julia March 2015 Firearms Auction (Lot #2308), former collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. This example is accompanied by its original James D. Julia Sturgess collection hang tag, blued magazine with black bottom, later paired Portuguese M/943 holster containing an unmarked loading tool, cleaning rod, and blued "fxo" magazine with black plastic bottom. CONDITION: Excellent overall, with metal components retaining the vast majority of their Portuguese arsenal applied phosphate finish, exhibiting a few superficial marks from handling and storage. Mirror bore, exhibiting some areas of light oxidation towards the muzzle, but otherwise retaining well-defined rifling throughout. Checkered black plastic grips show some wear as well as a few nicks to the diamonds, but are otherwise sturdy and serviceable. MLW
Accessories
Holster, loading tool, cleaning rod, extra magazine