Inter-War DWM Commercial Luger 7.65mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1919-1921 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1126.55
LSB#: 210506MW54
Make: DWM
Model: Parabellum, Inter-War Commercial
Serial Number: 79002
Year of Manufacture: 1919-1921
Caliber: .30 Luger (7.65x21mm Parabellum)
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 “79002”. There are crown over “N” commercial proofs on the bottom of the barrel, the left of the barrel extension and the left of the front toggle-link. The top of the front toggle-link has a “DWM” logo. The back of the rear toggle link, the left of the breech-bolt, the left of the trigger, the bottom of the takedown lever, and the bottom of the sideplate are each marked “02”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a 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 walnut panels. The grips show handling wear, most notable on the right panel with some scattered nicks, scratches and scuffs. The right panel has a crack at the top-front. The left panel has chip-loss at the top-front and top-rear corners. The checkering is generally well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable finish wear is in the grip areas and sideplate. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation. There is some minor erosion under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from clear to worn and shallow. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The takedown lever spring is missing. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. There is barely perceptible 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 black leather flap-holster, a tool, and a total of two 8-round magazines. The rear of the holster is marked “F. GROSSE / DRESDEN-RADEBEUL / 1939” and with eagle over “WaA706”. The holster has scattered wear, some fraying, most notable on the flap’s strap and intact stitching, in about Good-Very Good condition. One magazine is a Nazi era Haenel police magazine with an alloy floorplate. This magazine has light wear, mostly on the edges of the floorplate, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good-plus condition. The other magazine is unmarked with a black plastic floorplate, showing minor wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: The Luger (Pistole Parabellum or P-08) is perhaps the most aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing of all autoloading centerfire pistols. It is also one of the strongest, most accurate and most recognizable service pistols ever made. Georg Luger developed his famous pistol in 1898-1899 (starting with the Borchardt/Luger transitional pistol). The Luger is, essentially, a much improved Borchardt type pistol, which was itself based on the toggle action concept used by Sir Hiram Maxim in the world’s first practical machine gun. The Luger was so well liked and reliable that it was still being made and issued to German troops well after the P38 was adopted by the army. It was also popular on the commercial market, with many being sold to the United States before WWI, in the inter-war years, and as surplus after WWII. This is an inter-war commercial Luger made by DWM between 1919 and 1921, chambered for the 7.65mm Parabellum or .30 Luger cartridge. The pistol has been refinished, but retains matching serialized parts, a decent bore and strong mechanics apart from the missing takedown lever spring. This will make a nice addition to a Luger collection missing a pre-alphabet inter-war Luger. Please see our photos and good luck!