WWI German DWM Long P.08 Artillery Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2693
LSB#: 210609MW21
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 2454f
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Toggle-Locked Striker-Fired Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the rear sight base, the left rear of the elevator, the right side of the slider, sear bar, sear bar safety, the top of the extractor, top of 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 “54”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “2454”. The top of the front toggle is also marked with “DWM” in script. The chamber ring is marked “1917” at the top. The underside of the barrel is marked “2454 / f / 8,82” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “2454 / f”. 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”. The inside of each grip panel is marked “54”. The magazine floorplate is marked “1275 / +”.
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.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scuffs, most on the right panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are gray. The rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the grooves, some of which may clear up with a patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The right of the rear sight boss has some light finish wear. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches with a few more notable nicks at the top of the backstrap below the lanyard bar. There are infrequent spots of oxidation. The strawed parts show finish wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus 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 single 8-round magazine. The magazine has a wood floorplate, showing some light wear and oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Long P.08 Luger, also known by collectors as the “Artillery Luger”. The model was originally issued to field artillery, airmen and fortifications. The model had a longer, 8″ barrel and was equipped with more precise sights than the standard P.08. Later, it was designated for use by Sturmtruppen and other assault forces trying to breach the trench lines. It was the first Luger to use the 32 shot Trommel or “snail” magazine. Originally produced with “Fine Tuning” front and rear sights, in 1917 DWM would eliminate the adjustment of the front sight and very late in 1917, the fine adjustment would be discontinued for the rear sight, as well. This is a nice example which has matching serialized parts, though the included magazine is not original to the gun. The pistol is in Very Good-plus condition with 90% of its blued finish remaining. The artillery models are always collectable: they are a very interesting looking weapon that almost everyone wants to own. This is a nice example which is sure to end up in a collection of Lugers alongside its P.04 and P.08 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!