German DWM P08 Luger 9x19mm Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R Unit Marked
SOLD FOR: $2,001
WOA#: WY240117CB007
Make: Deutsche Waffen-Und Munitionsfabriken (DWM)
Model: P08 Luger
Serial Number: 1957 b
Year of Manufacture: WWI era, post-war rework
Caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger)
Action Type: Toggle-locked recoil-operated semi-automatic, 8 round detachable magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is faintly marked with three proof marks. The left side of the barrel is marked with a proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked with a proof mark. The underside of the barrel is marked “1957 b”. The front side of the frame is marked “1957 b “. The left rear side of the frame is marked “Gesichert” which means ‘safe’ or ‘secured’ in German. The top of the rear toggle link is marked “DWM”. The trigger, takedown lever, slide lug, rear toggle link, and the left side of the bolt are all marked “57”. The interior surface of the right grip panel is marked “a”. The front strap of the frame is marked “Bay. 21. J.R. 11.K. 60”. The magazine is marked “9049 h” and with a cross.
Barrel Length: 4”
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. There are scuffs, scratches, and discoloration throughout. Some of the peaks have been compressed on both panels. The left panel has a horizontal wear line through the center. There are no apparent cracks. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 8 round magazine with a wooden end piece in Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is mild erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5.5 out of 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 80% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout. There is thinning and usage wear to the finish on the toggle links and slide. Both sides of the barrel near the muzzle and the side plate have what appears to be holster wear to their finish. The bottom edges of the trigger guard have finish wear. There is wear to the finish at the rear and bottom of the frame. The safety lever has worn a line into the side of the frame. The firing pin is covered in dried oil. The magazine body is discolored with dried oil and wear along the edges. The screw heads show light use. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: If the toggle is not let go of completely, it will hitch and the chamber will be partially open. If this occurs and the trigger is pulled, the bolt moves forward and is dropped. If the pistol was loaded, this could result in an out of battery detonation. Please have a qualified gunsmith look over the pistol before use. 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 an 8 round magazine.
Our Assessment: Designed by Georg Luger in the late 1890s, the Luger and its variants would become some of the most famous military handguns of the 20th century. The Luger is known for its distinctive toggle-lock action which is easy to spot with the large knurled knobs on either side of the slide. Variants of the Luger would be adopted by Switzerland and most notably the German Empire, as the P08. The P08, chambered in what has become eponymously named 9mm Luger, served as the primary German service pistol through the First World War into the Second, even though it was officially supplanted by the P38 in 1938. This example was built by DWM during the First World War and then reworked after the war for Reichswehr service. The front strap of the frame is unit marked, indicating that the pistol was the 60th pistol assigned to the 11th company of the 21st Bavarian Infantry Regiment. Most of the finish remains, with thinning on the slide and toggle links, as well as holster wear on the barrel and side plate. The grip panels have wear to them, with a large horizontal wear line on the left panel. The bore is gray with strong rifling, but there is mild erosion throughout. Aside from the magazine, all of the serialized parts match. The magazine may be slightly too short and does not hold the bolt open when empty. The issue with the action is concerning, so please be sure to have a qualified gunsmith look over the action if you intend to use this pistol. This example of a unit-marked P08 that would fit into any German or Luger collection. Please see our photos.
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