WWI German DWM Long P.08 P08 Artillery Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1775
LSB#: 210925DA28
Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 2941
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The 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 “41”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “2941”. 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 barrel is marked “2941” and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “2941”. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with three crowned script letters and an Eagle. The Eagle is also marked 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 wood. The grips show minor handling wear with only a few light nicks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts have been force-matched.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some very minor erosion at the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some light wear and minor surface oxidation in the grip areas. Otherwise, the new finish is generally strong throughout with scattered minor erosion under the finish. The action shows minor operational wear. The markings are generally clear with a few worn and incomplete. Some markings have been filled with a white paint. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished and not parts-original.
Mechanics: The magazine fits a little bit loose and does not properly engage the slide stop. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The barrel assembly 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 8-round magazine with wood floorplate. The magazine has light wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 1918 DWM would eliminate the adjustment of the front sight and eventually the fine adjustment would be discontinued for the rear sight, as well. This example has been refinished so it looks great, and the parts have been matched to each other, though the rear sight assembly did not receive any serial markings when the gun was restored. It still has a nice bore and should make for a fun, classic shooter. It would also look great in a collection of Lugers alongside its P.04 and P.08 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!