Commercial Alphabet DWM Parabellum 7.62x21mm/.30 Luger Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1100
LSB#: 210925DA27
Make: DWM
Model: Parabellum, Post-War Alphabet Commercial
Serial Number: 7451i
Year of Manufacture: 1921-1928, likely 1921 as “i” was the first suffix used in this variation.
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 “7451 / i”. 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 trigger, and the bottom of the sideplate are each marked “51”. The frontstrap is export-marked “MADE IN GERMANY”.
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 left panel with some scattered nicks, scratches and scuffs. The left panel has a more notable ding near the center and a small chip-loss at the top-rear by the safety lever. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in 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. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation and there is some other scattered minor surface oxidation. There is some minor erosion, most is under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and shallow. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: 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 single wood floorplate magazine. The magazine has light wear with minor surface oxidation scattered throughout, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 1921 and 1928, chambered for the 7.65mm Parabellum or .30 Luger cartridge. It was mostly likely made in 1921 as it has the “i” suffix, the first letter suffix used after they were re-introduced in 1921, leading to these pistols now being referred to as the “alphabet DWM” pistols by collectors. The pistol has been refinished, but retains matching serialized parts, a good bore and strong mechanics. This will make a nice addition to a Luger collection missing an inter-war alphabet Luger. Please see our photos and good luck!