WWI German DWM Long P.08 Artillery Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,904.76
WOA#: WY240526BJ037
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 5384e
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, rear face of the sight notch, 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, and the slide stop are each marked “84”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “5384”. 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 “5384 / e / 8,83” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “5384 / e”. 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 top of the stock’s mounting bracket is marked “998 / c”.
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, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation using a spanner-wrench (no wrench included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have moderate handling wear, more notable on the left panel than the right. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. The checkering ranges from worn to well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
The board-style stock has scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with thinning finish at edges. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished, possibly arsenal refurbished.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is fairly evenly scattered wear, more notable in the grip areas and on raised features. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and minor erosion, more notable under the grips. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear with a few showing some wear. Overall, this pistol is in 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 with wood floorplate and the stock described above.
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. Long P.08s had a longer 8″ barrel and were 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 front fine tune sights were discontinued but before the rear. The pistol is in Good-plus condition, especially for a WWI service pistol. The artillery models are always collectable: they are a very interesting looking weapon that almost everyone wants to own. This example has matching serialized parts, though the grips and magazine are not serial marked and the included board-stock does not match. It would be great in a collection of Lugers alongside its P.04 and P.08 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
