DWM Commercial Alphabet P08 .30 Luger 7.65 Parabellum Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,226.77
LSB#: LSB260625WM066
Make: Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken (DWM)
Model: Alphabet Commercial Luger
Serial#: 5109o
Year of Manufacture: 1921-1928
Caliber: 7.65x21mm Parabellum (.30 Luger)
Action Type: Toggle-Action Semi-Automatic Striker-Fired Pistol fed by a Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 3/4″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated base fixed to the barrel at the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece checkered wood. The grips have even minor handling wear with a few light nicks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip panels are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Strawed
Finish Originality: Original. Serial-marked parts are matching but some parts do not have a serial marking. The right grip screw is a replacement, it has been shortened to not interfere with the magazine.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some light wear in the backstrap. There are scattered minor nicks and tiny scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The strawed parts show muting with some areas strong. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is minor 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 requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with a single non-matching wood floorplate magazine.
Our Assessment: Following World War I, DWM turned heavily toward commercial and export production, offering the Luger in configurations suited to the civilian market and commonly chambered in 7.65mm Parabellum. This example falls within the Alphabet Commercial series and is best dated circa 1924. Its “GERMANY” marking on the front of the frame identifies it as a U.S.-export pistol.
This pistol is in good shape for its age, retaining the great majority of its original finish with a more than decent bore and matching numbered parts, though at least one grip screw has been replaced. This is an attractive example for collectors of DWM pistols, commercial Lugers, and early European semi-automatics, especially if you need a Commercial Alphabet in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!
-Bud