DWM Long P08 Artillery Luger Blank Chamber Re-Work 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
Sold For: $2725
LSB#: 201029DW01
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 8048
Year of Manufacture: 1914-1917
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the rear sight base, the rear face of the sight leaf, the left rear of the elevator, the right side of the slider, the extractor, sear bar, sear bar safety, the top of the front toggle, the back of the rear toggle, the left of the bolt, the striker, the takedown lever, and the front sight to the left of the blade are each marked “48”. The top of the front toggle is also marked with “DWM” in script. The chamber ring has had its manufacture year removed. The underside of the round part of the barrel is marked “8048 / 8 84” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “8048”. The right side of the rear sight boss has an Imperial eagle, also marked on the left of the bolt. The left side of the frame under the safety is marked “Gesichert”. The left of the frame above the takedown lever is marked “Germany”, the left of the barrel extension is marked with a crowned “N” commercial proof above the Germany marking.
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the muzzle. The front sight is adjustable for windage via a spanner-wrench screw on the right of the base. The tangent artillery rear sight is flat topped with a “V” notch and the elevator has graduated markings from 1-8. The elevation can be fine-tuned via a spanner wrench screw adjustment. The sights are known as the “Fine Tuning” Artillery Sights. The rear sight arm has three punch-marks at the front where it meets the frame, there are punch-marks along the front edge of the dovetail for the base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips each have minor play to the frame. The left panel has a chip-loss at the top-rear under the safety lever. There is scattered light wear, but the checkering is still well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition as likely not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is some scattered erosion in the bore, most in the grooves and there is infrequent pitting.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light finish wear, most notable on the barrel, the grip areas and the bottom-front of the trigger guard. There are several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The rear sight arm has three punch-marks at the front where it meets the frame, there are punch-marks along the front edge of the dovetail for the base. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. The strawed color has muted on most of the strawed finish surfaces. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. Remaining markings range from clear to worn, but legible. The chamber date has been removed. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel and extension are tight 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 brown leather holster, wood stock adapter with un-marked latch assembly, cleaning rod, two magazine pouch, and a single tin-plated magazine with wood baseplate. The magazine has some dried grease, light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Very Good-plus condition. The holster has scattered light wear and verdigris at the metal fixtures. The rear of the holster is marked “B.Wiedermann / Berlin.N.39 / 1916”. The stitching is intact. Overall, the holster is in about Very Good-plus condition as reproduction. The stock shows scattered minor wear with no chips or cracks, in about Very Good-Fine condition as reproduction. Please note, reproduction stocks are not exempt from ATF rules regarding short barreled rifles.
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 snail magazine. With its “Fine Tuning” front and rear sights, this pistol was probably second to none in long range accuracy among the Great War issued sidearms. This pistol is a blank-chamber re-work, with the military acceptance marks and chamber date removed, then refurbished for commercial sale. The pistol is in about Good-Very Good condition with 65% of its new finish remaining. Remaining serial markings all match and the mechanics are strong, though the bore shows some use and erosion. The artillery models are always collectable: they are a very interesting looking weapon that almost everyone wants to own. This is a decent example, sure to end up in a collection of Lugers alongside its P04 and P08 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!