WWI German DWM Long P.08 Artillery Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,213.99
LSB#: WY240827RL046
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 264298c
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the rear sight base, the top-rear of the sight arm, the right side of the slider, sear bar, sear bar safety, the top of the extractor, the front toggle, the back of the rear toggle, the left of the bolt, left of the firing pin, the takedown lever, the sideplate, the trigger, the slide stop and the insides of the grip panels are each marked “97”. The insides of the grip panels are not marked anymore. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “264298”. The top of the front toggle is also marked with “DWM” in script. The chamber ring is marked “1917” at the top. The underside of the round of the barrel is marked “264298/c” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “264298/c”. The magazine’s wooden floorplate has worn away its serial marking which does not appear to match the pistol. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with three crowned script letters and an Eagle. The Eagle is also marked on the right of the barrel at the rear and on the left of the bolt. The left side of the frame under the safety is marked “GESICHERT”.
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the muzzle. The Top sight is a “fine-tune” sight, with the notch fine-adjustable for elevation using a spanner-screw in the right side of the sight.
The tangent artillery rear sight is flat topped with a “V” notch and the elevator has graduated markings from 1-8. The rear sight is a “fine-tune” sight, with the notch fine-adjustable for elevation using a spanner-screw in the top-rear of the arm assembly. It is quite a rare treat to see both sights, front and rear, set up for fine tune adjustment.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have heavy handling wear with added scattered nicks, scratches and scuffs. Most areas of the checkering are worn smooth with very little area that is fairly well defined enough to see. The right panel has play to the frame, There are no present chips or cracks. The grips were cracked at one time and repaired. The repair is crude in my opinion. Overall, the grips are in about fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed; This finish has all but faded away to a “in the white” and Patina
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with substantial rifling. There is some scattered erosion. There is stubborn fouling in bore. The is Bore rates 7/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 0% of its metal finish. All surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is scattered light-moderate surface erosion and pitting. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool-marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear with a few slightly obscured by erosion. Overall, this pistol is in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: The detent spring for the takedown lever is present, but slightly weak. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The barrel assembly has light play 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 single 8-round magazine with wood floorplate. The magazine has scattered light wear and minor oxidation with intact feed lips and a strong spring. The Magazine has been repaired, the floorplate has been re-pinned and the tab for the follower has been replaced by a Philips head screw. The is a gouge out of the left side of the magazine
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 Trommel or “snail” magazine.
Originally produced with “Fine Tuning” front and rear sights, in 1917 DWM would eliminate the adjustment of the front sight and eventually the fine adjustment would be discontinued for the rear sight, as well. This is a nice example which was made before the rear fine tune sights were discontinued.
The pistol is in Fair condition, appearing to have taken its turn in the trenches. The artillery models are always collectable: they are a very interesting looking weapon that almost everyone wants to own. This example is perfect as-is for someone looking for a pistol that has “been there, done that” and with its matching serialized parts wouldn’t be the worst candidate for a restoration. It would be great in a collection of Lugers alongside its P.04 and P.08 cousins, but it also has a nicer bore than its appearance would indicate and should still make for a good shooter. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.