Custom German WWI DWM P.08 Luger 6 1/4″ 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, C&R Rare
SOLD FOR: $1,357
WOA#: WY240419LM001
Make: DWM
Model: Custom P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 4085g
Year of Manufacture: The frame was produced ca. 1913-1918.
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Markings: The front face of the frame is marked “4085 / g”, over-stamped with “8935”. The trigger and takedown lever have been over-stamped with “35”, the safety and bolt stop are still marked “85”. The bottom of the sideplate is marked “81”. The barrel extension is marked “8935”, “1916”, and with Imperial German military inspection/acceptance marks. The extractor, bolt, firing pin, and each toggle are marked “37”, the front toggle is also marked “DWM”. The magazine floorplate is marked “8469 / +”.
Barrel Length: The after-market barrel is 6 1/4″.
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear toggle.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood panels with smooth front and rear borders. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One original German WWI 8 round magazine with an aluminum body and a wood base. The magazine is marked “8469 / +” on the floorplate. The mag is in Good condition with intact feed lips, though shows finish wear and oxidation.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Finish appears Original to the parts, some parts have force-matched markings and several are not original to the frame. The barrel is an after-market part.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves along the edges. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 25% of its metal finish. The barrel has been left in the white. Portions of the grip areas have worn to white. There is other scattered wear that has discolored from oxidation. There is some other scattered minor surface oxidation and erosion. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible, some have been over-struck. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol comes with the magazine described above.
Our Assessment: The Luger (Pistole Parabellum or P-08) is perhaps the most aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing of all autoloading centerfire pistols. 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 P-38 was adopted by the German army.
This is a custom Luger assembled from parts from at least 4 different pistols with an after-market 6 1/4″ barrel. The pistol shows wear consistent with its age and service, but its new barrel has a strong bore and the mechanics are good. This will make a neat addition to any collection as a shooter, restoration project, source or host for parts in your own custom build. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
