WWI German DWM Rework P.08 P08 9mm Luger Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,625.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK159
Make: DWM
Model: P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 8251k
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Action Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine.
Markings: The internal marked parts are each marked “51”. The rear toggle is marked with a script “DWM”. The front of the frame under the barrel and the underside of the barrel are marked “8251 / a”. The bottom of the barrel is also marked “8,82”. The top of the barrel extension at the chamber is marked “1917” and the left is marked “8251”. The right side of the barrel has a “S42” stamp. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with three crowned script characters and an eagle. The eagle is also marked on the top-right of the barrel and the left of the breech block. The left side of the frame at the safety is marked “GESICHERT”. The bottom of the aluminium magazine is marked “5896 / y”. The rusted magazine is marked “6839” and lightly stamped “9768”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the top of the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and handling marks. The checkering is well defined and smooth in other places. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Small Parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches, thinning, and oxidization/pitting. There is oxidization throughout with pitting in some areas. The leading edges have some thinning. There is a mild amount of action wear. The finish loss on the leading edges are consistent with holster wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from clear to worn. Overall, this pistol is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire 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 leather holster in about Good condition and 2 8rd magazines. The aluminum magazine is in about Very Good and the rusted magazine is in about Fair condition.
Our Assessment: This DWM 1917 P.08 Luger rework presents in Good overall condition with approximately 90% of its metal finish remaining and honest service wear concentrated on leading edges and small parts. The toggle action functions correctly, the checkered grips are sound with light handling marks, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Internal parts are matching where noted, and included magazines are one aluminum example (Very Good) and one rusted service spare (Fair). Evidence of arsenal work and mixed small-part finishes indicates the pistol was reworked early in WWII after having sat in storage and then returned to service—this period rework accounts for some replacement parts and later proofs. Markings and proofs are generally legible despite scattered oxidation and mild pitting.
This pistol should be treated as a collectible with service-era modifications; provenance and matching internals add to its research value. A careful cleaning and stabilization will preserve the finish and arrest freckling; source a correct, serviceable magazine for safe handling if firing is intended. With conservative conservation and verification, it represents a compelling, historically grounded addition to a Luger collection. Please see our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P
