WWI German DWM P.08 P08 9mm Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1916 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,225.00

LSB#: LSB260504JG002

Make: DWM

Model: P.08 Luger

Serial Number: 459k

Year of Manufacture: 1916 / C&R

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Action Type: Toggle Action Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine.

Markings: The internal marked parts are each marked “59”. The safety flag has been forced matched. The rear toggle is marked with a script “DWM”. The front of the frame under the barrel and the underside of the barrel are marked “459 / k”. The bottom of the barrel is also marked “459 / k / 8,82”. The top of the barrel extension at the chamber is marked “1916” and the left is marked “459”. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with three crowned script characters and an eagle. The left side of the frame under the safety is marked “GESICHERT”. The safety lever is marked “59”. The safety flag is marked “59”. The trigger and takedown lever is marked “59”. The inside of both panels are marked “54”. The toggle train is marked “59”.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the top of the rear toggle link.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood. The grips have handling wear with some scattered scratches and compression marks. The checkering is well defined and smooth in other places. A few of the peaks have smoothed or chipped off. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is defined. There is light erosion in the bore. There is light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 6 out of 10. 

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There is operational wear. There are scratches and light thinning throughout. Most of the thinning is on the edges. There are a few spots of surface rust forming throughout the frame and barrel. . The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from clear to worn. Overall, this pistol is in about 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 standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one magazine.

Our Assessment: The DWM P.08 Luger is one of the most recognizable German military pistols of the 20th century, known for its toggle-lock action, distinctive profile, and extensive World War I service. The P.08 was adopted by the German Army in 9mm Parabellum and became one of the iconic Imperial German sidearms of the era. This example is a DWM-marked Luger with a 4” barrel, “DWM” script toggle, Imperial acceptance marks, “GESICHERT” safety marking, and matching “459 / k” frame and barrel markings. The small parts are largely marked “59,” matching the last two digits of the serial, while the safety flag is noted as force-matched and the grip panels are numbered “54.”

This pistol is in about Good Plus condition overall, retaining about 92% of its original blued finish with handling and storage wear, operational wear, scattered scratches, edge thinning, and a few spots of surface rust forming on the frame and barrel. The checkered wood grips rate in Good Plus condition, showing handling wear, scattered scratches, compression marks, worn or smoothed checkering in spots, and a few chipped peaks, but no cracks. The bore is mostly bright with defined rifling, light erosion, and light pitting, rating 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, the screw heads are sharp, and the markings range from clear to worn. This DWM Luger should appeal to collectors of WWI German sidearms, Imperial proofed P.08 pistols, and C&R military handguns, especially as an honest example with significant matching numbered components and visible service character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P