German DWM Commercial Luger P08 in .30 Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,425

WOA#: WY240113NB002

Make: Deutsche Waffen-Und Munitionsfabriken (DWM)

Model: Luger P08

Serial Number: 3829

Year of Manufacture: Pre-1934

Caliber: .30 Luger, 7.65x21mm, 7.65mm Luger.

Action Type: Toggle-locked recoil-operated semi-automatic, 8 round detachable magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with the N-Crown. The top of the slide is marked “DWM”. The inside of the side plate has “2” stamped into it. The top of the forward toggle link has the DWM logo. The rear of the rear toggle link is marked with “81”. The front side of the frame is marked “3829”. The takedown lever is marked “29”. The left side of the trigger is marked “29”. The left side of the bolt is marked with The N crown and “81”. The magazine end pieces are marked “7711” and “5145” on the bottom  The underside of the barrel is marked with the N crown ,“3329”, and “N”.

Barrel Length: 3.75”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a barrel mounted base . The rear sight is a v-notch blade integral to the toggle link.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood. The right grip panel is more heavily worn than the left, with a large amount of compressed peaks throughout the grip. The left panel has similar albeit less wear than the right. Both panels are worn around the screw relief at the bottom. The interior surfaces are fairly clean, with some small marks along the edges. There are no apparent cracks or chips. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 8 round magazine with metal follower and wood end pieces. One of the magazines has lost its finish yet functions smoothly. While the other magazine retains its finish but has a more gritty feel to it. The magazines are both in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is Well defined. There is very light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10.

Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear throughout. Most notably the front and rear strap of the grip, the siderails of the frame, the crown of the muzzle and the top of the frame just in front of the extractor. There is also a small nick on the top of the barrel. The screw heads show almost no signs of use. The internals are clean. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of this pistol’s condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with 2 x 8 round magazines, and a vintage leather OWB  Luger holster with integrated magazine pouch.

Our Assessment: The DWM Luger P08 chambered in 30 Luger, also known as 7.65x21mm Parabellum, is a variant of the iconic Luger pistol designed by Georg Luger and manufactured by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) in Germany. The Luger P08 is one of the most recognizable and historically significant handguns of the 20th century, renowned for its distinctive toggle-lock action and elegant design. Chambered in 30 Luger, this variant of the Luger pistol utilizes a slightly smaller cartridge compared to the more common 9x19mm Parabellum round. The 30 Luger cartridge, also known as 7.65x21mm, was developed in the early 20th century and was initially popular in Europe before being largely overshadowed by the widespread adoption of the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. The DWM Luger P08 in 30 Luger retains all the classic features of the Luger design, including its toggle-lock action, which uses a jointed arm to lock the breech during firing and then toggle upward as the firearm cycles, ejecting the spent cartridge and chambering a new round. This mechanism is not only visually distinctive but also contributes to the pistol’s smooth operation and accuracy. The pistol features a sleek and ergonomic design, with a comfortable grip angle and intuitive controls such as the manual safety lever and magazine release button. The sights are fixed and consist of a front blade and rear notch, providing a clear sight picture for accurate shooting. While the 30 Luger variant of the Luger P08 may not be as common as those chambered in 9mm Parabellum, it still holds historical significance and remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its association with the classic Luger design, coupled with the unique chambering, makes it a prized addition to any firearms collection. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.

German DWM Commercial Luger P08 in .30 Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
German DWM Commercial Luger P08 in .30 Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R