April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
With the Weimar German Military being sufficiently downsized after the conclusion of World War I, Simson's reworked and assembled P.08's were likely more than sufficient to meet the needs of the German Military. That being said, a small number of Simson P.08s were manufactured between 1925-1928 as part of a limited replacement program. This is one of only an estimated 1,000-2,000 1920's dated P.08 pistols manufactured by Simson & Suhl for the Weimar German Military. Simson-manufactured P.08s were marked with their year of manufacture over the chamber, and are considered by many collectors in the genre to be an exceptionally rare P.08 variation. This example features a rust blue finish on the major metal components, with smaller components being strawed and nitre blued. The receiver is marked "1926" over the chamber area, with various Simson & Suhl waffenamts present on the right-hand side. Toggle is marked "SIMSON & Co/ SUHL". Simson & Suhl eagle over "6" waffenamts present on the frame, receiver, barrel, toggles, breechblock, and most other small components, with eagle over "RC" stamps present on the frame, and barrel indicating that this gun was reworked, repaired, and reissued at one point in time. All numbers are matching, including the magazine, which were applied in the proper military fashion. CONDITION: Metal components retain generous amounts of what appears to be an old arsenal reapplied blue finish, showing edge wear, as well as some areas of thinning that shows through to a pleasing brown patina. Strawed components show areas of wear but are otherwise fine. Mirror bore, with fair to good rifling throughout. Checkered walnut grips show smoothing to the checkering, as well as some nicks and impressions to the diamonds. A very nice example, of an extremely rare Luger variation, that will be a prize piece of the advanced Luger collector's ensemble. -MLW-
Manufacturer
Simson & Co Suhl