WW1 ERA Erfurt P08 Luger 9mm 4″ Semi Automatic Pistol MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: WY250331CF012
Make: Erfurt (Royal Arsenal)
Model: P08 Luger
Serial Number: 4435O
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: 9mm
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Recoil Toggle-Locked, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “1917” The toggle is marked “ERFURT / 35” The right side of the receiver is marked with proof marks. The left side of the receiver is marked “4435” The bottom of the barrel is marked “4435” The firing pin assembly, take down lever, trigger, and side plate are marked “35” The inside of the grip panels are marked “S/42”
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are 2 checkered wood panels. There are light handling marks present. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational wear as well as surface corrosion and pitting. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The pins are unmarred. The markings are sharp and fully legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The retention pins for the takedown lever are missing. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes one magazine and a leather holster.
Our Assessment: This Erfurt-manufactured P08 Luger pistol is a classic representation of Imperial Germany’s military sidearm during the First World War. Produced in 1917 at the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt, it features the distinctive short-recoil, toggle-locked action that made the Luger a legendary design in both engineering and combat use. The 4-inch barrel, chambered in 9mm, is marked with the correct 1917 date stamp, and the toggle bears the “ERFURT” arsenal marking. Matching parts marked “35” appear throughout the pistol, including on the firing pin assembly, takedown lever, trigger, and side plate, affirming its partial parts consistency—a notable detail for collectors of wartime Lugers. The wood grips are properly checkered and stamped “S/42” on the inside, showing only light handling wear and no structural damage.
The pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish and displays a refinished blue surface, which helps protect the underlying metal but does obscure some of the factory’s original finish characteristics. Light operational wear is present along with isolated areas of surface corrosion and pitting, particularly on exposed metal surfaces. Despite this, all major proof marks remain sharp and fully legible, with tool-marked but serviceable screw slots and unmarred pins. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, and although there is light erosion, it remains quite serviceable, earning an 8/10 rating in this writer’s opinion.
The Luger comes with one detachable magazine and an included leather holster, rounding out its historical value as a World War I-era service pistol. This is an excellent choice for collectors seeking a mechanically sound and visually authentic piece of German military history. This example remains C&R eligible and would be equally at home in a World War I collection, historical display, or hands-on educational exhibit. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.
