WWI German DWM Long P.08 Artillery Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2300
LSB#: 210609MW22
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 8251g
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 rear face of the sight leaf, the left rear of the elevator, the right side of the slider, extractor, sear bar, sear bar safety, the top of 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 inside of each grip panel are marked “51”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “8251”. 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 part of the barrel is marked “8251 / g / 8,83” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “8251 / g”. The magazine’s aluminum floorplate is marked “5505 / a / +” and with eagle over “63” waffenamt. The right side of the chamber 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 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 rear sight is known as the “Fine Tuning” Artillery Sight, 1917 DWM production first eliminated the fine tune adjustment on the front sight, retaining the adjustment on the rear sight (eventually eliminated on the rear sight at the very end of 1917).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have light handling wear with some light nicks and scuffs, mostly on the left panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The majority of the balance is in scattered light surface oxidation and infrequent minor erosion. The grip frame has light handling wear. There are a few scattered light marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel extension has barely perceptible 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 inter-war/early Nazi-era 8-round magazine. The magazine has light wear, some minor oxidation, infrequent erosion, stubborn dried grease, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in Good condition.
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. Originally produced with “Fine Tuning” front and rear sights, in 1917 DWM would eliminate the adjustment of the front sight and very late in 1917, the fine adjustment would be discontinued for the rear sight, as well. This pistol has its original finish and the numbered parts of the pistol are all matching, though the magazine is not numbered to the pistol. The pistol is in Very Good condition with 87% of its finish remaining. The artillery models are always collectable: they are a very interesting looking weapon that almost everyone wants to own. This is a nice example, sure to end up in a collection of Lugers alongside its P04 and P08 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!