WWI German DWM Long P.08 Artillery Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2675
LSB#: 210913BM06
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 6348m
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the rear sight base, the top-rear of the sight arm, the right side of the slider, sear bar, sear bar safety, the top of the extractor, 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, the slide stop and the insides of the grip panels are each marked “48”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “6348”. 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 round part of the barrel is marked “6348 / m / 8,82” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “6348 / m”. The magazine’s wooden floorplate is marked “6348”. 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”. Several of the markings have been filled with white paint.
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 walnut. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scuffs. The right panel has a couple of more notable dings toward the top. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion, mostly at the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable wear is at the bottom of the grip frame, on the sideplate and at the muzzle on each side. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and infrequent minor erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel assembly has no 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. Based on the lack of the “m” suffix on the floorplate, we suspect it is force-matched to the pistol. The magazine has scattered light wear and minor oxidation with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 eventually the fine adjustment would be discontinued for the rear sight, as well. This is a nice example which was made after the fine tune sights were discontinued. The pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition with 90% of its finish remaining. The artillery models are always collectable: they are a very interesting looking weapon that almost everyone wants to own. This is a really nice example and 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!