DWM Parabellum Commercial Alphabet 7.65mmx21 .30 Luger Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1247
LSB#: 210928JM09
Make: DWM
Model: Parabellum, Post-War Commercial Alphabet
Serial Number: 6345l
Year of Manufacture: 1921-1929
Caliber: 7.65mmx21 Parabellum (.30 Luger)
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine
Markings: The front face of the frame and the bottom of the barrel are each marked “6345 / l”. There are crown over “N” commercial proofs on the bottom of the barrel, the left of the barrel extension and the left of the breech-bolt. The top of the front toggle-link has a “DWM” logo. The back of the rear toggle link, the left of the trigger, the bottom of the takedown lever, and the bottom of the sideplate are each marked “45”. The left of the frame, opposite the safety, is marked “GERMANY”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated base at the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. The grips show light handling wear with a few scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Strawed Small Parts
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered nicks and minor scuffs. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The controls have handling wear. The action has light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is no play between the barrel assembly and frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single magazine. The magazine has light operational wear, some verdigris, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: The Luger pistol used by the German Army in WWI was the P.08, with a 4” barrel and chambered in 9mm. After WWI, the Treaty of Versailles banned the manufacture of pistols with a barrel length of 100mm or longer and to calibers less than 9mm. Fortunately for the Germans, they already had designs for pistols with 7.65mmx21 (.30 Luger) chambers, used in the early Lugers produced at the turn of the Century, and lots of spare parts left over from WWI production. DWM started producing pistols with 3 5/8” and 3 3/4” barrels chambered in .30 luger for foreign sales. These pistols had military markings as well as commercial markings, and some had both. Quite a few were also produced with longer barrels chambered in 9mm Parabellum, so it’s hard to tell who was enforcing the treaty requirements. This pistol was made sometime between 1921 and 1929 with a 3 3/4” barrel and chambered in .30 Luger. The pistol has commercial markings including its “GERMANY” marking which indicates it was produced for export. The pistol has its original finish and all of the serial numbers are matching. The pistol is in Fine condition with 95% of its finish remaining. The bore is outstanding, so it should still make a good shooter. It’s high condition will also make it a great example of the 1920s commercial alphabet Luger for a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!