WWI German DWM Long P.08 Artillery Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,421.00
LSB#: LSB251003GL005
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 1257
Year of Manufacture: 1914
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Fed By Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the rear sight base, the top-rear of the sight arm, the right side of the slider, rear face of the sight notch, sear bar, sear bar safety, the top of the extractor, the front toggle, the back of the rear toggle, the left of the bolt, left of the firing pin, the takedown lever, the sideplate, the trigger, and the slide stop are each marked “57”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “1257”. The top of the front toggle is also marked with “DWM” in script. The chamber ring is marked “1914” at the top. The underside of the barrel is marked “1257 / 8,85” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “1257”. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with three crowned script letters and an Eagle. The Eagle is also marked on the right of the barrel at the rear and on the left of the bolt. The left side of the frame under the safety is marked “GESICHERT”.
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the muzzle. The tangent artillery rear sight is flat topped with a “V” notch and the elevator has graduated markings from 1-8, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation using a spanner-wrench (no wrench included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. The grips has little to no wear. There are a few light handling marks. There are some light scratches. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with worn rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling and storage wear. There is light erosion under the refinish throughout. The straw parts are muting along the edges. The markings are filled with white paint. There are light scratches throughout. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are generally clear with a few showing some wear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel assembly has barely perceptible play to the frame. We have not fired 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 two 8-round magazine with wood floorplate and synthetic floorplate. This pistol also comes with a leather soft case.
Our Assessment: Adopted on the eve of the First World War, the Lange Pistole 08—better known today as the Artillery Luger—was Germany’s attempt to extend the reach and utility of the standard P.08 pistol. With its distinctive 8-inch barrel, finely machined tangent sight arm graduated out to 800 meters, and the precision toggle system built by DWM, the LP.08 was intended for artillery crews, storm troops, and specialist units operating forward of traditional rifle formations. This 1914-dated example sits at the very beginning of wartime production, retaining the characteristic long-recoil feel, long-barreled silhouette, and tight-fitting components that made the model one of the most visually striking sidearms of the Great War.
Chambered in 9mm Parabellum, a cartridge introduced in 1902 and soon adopted widely across Europe for its controllable recoil and dependable performance, the Artillery Luger combined early semi-automatic engineering with the ballistic qualities that would define service pistols for generations. Even with its refinished exterior and bore wear, this pistol preserves the unmistakable mechanical identity of the LP.08—its matching numbered parts, adjustable rear sight, and extended barrel all marking it as a product of Germany’s push to equip specialized troops during the dynamic early years of the First World War. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -N.P
