WWI German DWM Long P.08 Artillery Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2779
LSB#: 210609MW26
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 2954
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the rear sight base, the left rear of the elevator arm, 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, and the slide stop are marked “54”. The inside of each grip panel has “2954” hand-written. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “2954”. The top of the front toggle is also marked with “DWM” in script. The chamber ring is marked “1918” at the top. The underside of the round part of the barrel is marked “2954 / 8,83” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “2954”. The magazine’s wood floorplate is marked “7588 / n / +” and with a crowned script letter. 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.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have minor handling wear with no notable damage. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some scattered minor oxidation. The grip frame has minor 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-plus 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 non-serial matching 8-round magazine with wood floorplate. There is some verdigris at the bottom of the magazine body where it meets the floorplate, but otherwise the magazine shows minor wear, in Very Good-Fine 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 metal finish, though the grips have been replaced, 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-plus condition with 92% 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!