DWM P.08 Nickel 9mm Luger 1920 Versailles Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1050
LSB#: 210515MW30
Make: DWM
Model: P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 9817e
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine
Markings: The barrel extension is marked “1920 / 1917” on the chamber ring, the left is marked “9817”. The sear is marked “17”, found again on the takedown lever, trigger, sideplate, safety, the left of the firing pin, breech-block, the top of the extractor, top of the front toggle link, the rear of the back toggle link and the toggle pin. The top of the front link is also marked with a “DWM” logo. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The front face of the frame is marked “9817 / e”. The right of the barrel extension has Imperial German inspection marks, the eagle inspection mark is also on the left of the bolt. The bottom of the barrel is marked “9817 / 8,82”.
Barrel Length: 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 with a few scattered nicks and scuffs. The left panel is notably darker than the right and has some smoothed checkers around its mounting screw. The checkering is generally well defined, most points are blunted. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its current metal finish. There is some scattered light wear and flaking, most in the grip areas but with some scattered throughout. There is some scattered minor erosion under the finish. The action shows light operational wear. The worn areas have infrequent and minor discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about 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 in a wood presentation case with a total of two 8-round magazines. The case has a blue fabric-lined french-fit interior with a cartridge block on one side for eight cartridges. The case has light storage wear on the exterior with minor wear on the interior from the contents, in about Fine condition. Both magazines are blued with alloy floorplates. One shows minor operational wear, with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition. The other has grinding on and around the follower’s thumbpiece, light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in Good-plus condition.
Our Assessment: The Luger was adopted by the German Army in 1908 and was so reliable and well liked that it was still being made and issued to German troops well after the P38 was adopted by the army in 1938. The largest percentage of Lugers were made by DWM, which became Mauser in 1930. This is a DWM Luger pistol manufactured in 1917 which remained in German inventory following the Great War. Its “1920” marking on the chamber ring is a reference to compliance with the severe restrictions placed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles. It has survived the last century fairly well, in about Very Good condition, with about 87% of its new nickel finish remaining. For fans of the Luger or WWII small arms, this DWM Luger will make a neat addition to a collection, especially with its handsome display case. Please see our photos and good luck!