American Historical Foundation Iron Cross Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $2625
LSB#: 230217PM001
Make: Mauser (byf)
Model: Parabellum-Pistole, Luger Model P.08, American Historical Foundation “Iron Cross” Limited Edition
Serial#: 2250l
Year of Manufacture: 1942, C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle-Action Semi-Automatic Striker-Fired Pistol fed by Detachable Magazines
Markings: The remaining external serial markings are matching. The left of the frame is marked “P.08”, the chamber ring is marked “42” and the front toggle is marked “byf”. The frontstrap has been engraved “D25”. The pistol has decorative engraving with an Iron Cross on the sideplate.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is serrated blade dovetailed to a banded base fixed to the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece smooth wood. The grips have a few minor scuffs and light handling marks. There rae no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, French Gray and Gold
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light grey with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The new finish is strong throughout, though there is some minor erosion under the finish, most notable on the right of the frame. The original markings have soft edges and some have been removed, the engraving is crisp. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, the pistol is in Excellent condition as customized for the American Historical Foundation.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is barely palpable 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: The pistol comes with an American Historical Foundation presentation case with a reproduction Iron Cross medal, reproduction black leather flap-holster, Luger tool (stored in the flap) and a total of two magazines.
Our Assessment: From the American Historical Foundation:
“The Luger and the Iron Cross…names enshrouded with fascination and mystery…now, for the first time, combined. The Luger is timeless in its classic design. The ergonomic, 55-degree-sloping grip…the precise, articulated knee action of the toggle recoil mechanism. Even ordinary Lugers are difficult to find. Special presentation-grade Lugers are among the elite of collecting—ultra rare at any price—and usually found only in museums or the very finest private collections.
The Iron Cross Luger features elaborate coverage of hand engraving along both sides of the receiver in a traditional German oakleaf-and-acorn motif associated with the very finest pieces. The sideplate features the German Iron Cross medal, hand engraved and outlined with a band of genuine, solid 24-Karat Gold, hand-inlaid and encircled with oakleaf engraving. Accenting this, against the exotic French Grey finish, the trigger, magazine release, takedown lever and grip screws are richly plated with 24-Karat Gold, to Jewelers Grade-Heavy thickness, for lasting beauty and value. This project is possible thanks to The American Historical Foundation’s international contacts. But, even so, the process of finding, inspecting, hand polishing and hand engraving original Lugers is arduous. The edition is limited to a total of only 500, but even this low limit might be optimistic. Hand-engraved, original German Lugers are among the greatest prizes in the international field of arms collecting. Here, art in steel, precise engineering and military history converge in a piece worthy of display in the finest museum.”
This Iron Cross luger was made with a 1942 vintage P.08 made by Mauser. It is in Excellent condition as prepared for this limited edition and comes with not just its display case, but also a holster and a brace of magazines. This will make a fine addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
