WWI German Erfurt Luger P.08 9mm 4” Military Semi-Automatic Pistol 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,829.09
LSB#: LSB260502AH042
Make: Royal Arsenal Erfurt
Model: P.08, Luger
Serial Number: 1504
Year of Manufacture: 1911 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger (9x19mm)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Recoil, Toggle-Locked, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The internal marked parts are each marked “04”. The rear toggle is marked with a script “ERFURT”. The front of the frame under the barrel is marked “1504”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “1504 / 8,83”. The top of the barrel extension at the chamber is marked “1911”. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with two Erfurt proofs with an Erfurt eagle. The left side of the frame under the safety is marked “GESICHERT”. The safety indicator is marked “04”. The trigger and takedown lever is marked “04”. The inside of both panels are marked “04”. The toggle train is marked “04”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch integral to the rear toggle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have light handling wear. There are a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined. A few of the checkering peaks have chipped off. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good – Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Strawed
Finish Originality: Original. Numbered parts match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is well defined. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. There is surface rust forming on the barrel. There is thinning on the barrel and front strap. The leading edges have thinned. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are generally clear, some Erfurt inspection marks are worn. Overall, this pistol is in Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Two non-matching aluminium floorplate magazines and leather holster.
Our Assessment: The Erfurt P.08 Luger is a desirable Imperial German military pistol from the early WWI era, produced at the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt and chambered in 9mm Luger. This 1911-dated example features the classic short-recoil toggle-locked action, 4” barrel, “GESICHERT” safety marking, Erfurt inspection proofs, V-notch rear sight, serrated blade front sight, checkered walnut grips, and blue-and-straw finish. The numbered parts are listed as matching, with the internal marked parts, safety indicator, trigger, takedown lever, grip panels, and toggle train all marked “04,” matching the last two digits of the serial number.
This pistol is in Good Plus condition overall, retaining about 65% of its original blue and strawed finish with handling and storage wear, scratches, thinning, surface rust forming on the barrel, frontstrap thinning, barrel thinning, and wear to the leading edges. The two-piece checkered walnut grips rate in about Good-Very Good condition, showing light handling wear, scattered light marks, and a few chipped checkering peaks, but no cracks. The bore is mostly bright with well-defined rifling and scattered light erosion and pitting, rating 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, the screw heads are sharp, and the markings are generally clear, though some Erfurt inspection marks are worn. This Erfurt Luger comes with two non-matching aluminum-floorplate magazines and a leather holster, making it an appealing C&R example for collectors of Imperial German pistols, WWI sidearms, and military Lugers with visible service character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P