This is a 1914 Model, chamber dated 1917 DWM 8" model with the 800 meter adjustable rear sight mounted on the barrel. The 1917 Chamber Date is one of the most difficult of the Artillery models in this pristine condition.  There is minimal holster wear and the grips are like new.  The springs and small parts still show the fire blue and the strawed parts are excellent. There is not reason to suspect this is not the original finish on this fine Luger.      (1021) 

NOTE: Photographs taken today with the high mega-pixel camera show more than we sometimes can see with the human eye. Magnified close-ups show us tool marks and natural surface conditions that one normally doesn't see in the ordinary handling of the weapon.  Photographs are copyrighted, all rights reserved, any extraction, reproduction or display of gun pictures without the express consent of the Phoenix Investment Arms is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.

This is a 9mm weapon with all the matching parts marked in the military manner (exposed). The barrel is 200mm and it has an adjustable front site. The frame has the stock lug and the thumb safety. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen".  The barrel is numbered and proofed to the weapon. The inside of the gun is clean and well cared for.

This is a 9mm weapon with all the matching parts marked in the military manner (exposed). The barrel is 200mm and it has the adjustable site.  The Imperial proofs are well struck and tell the story of the gun.  The barrel inside is shiny with distinctive lands and grooves.  The magazine is clean and grips match the gun.

The Imperial proofs are well struck and tell the story of the gun.  The barrel inside is shiny with distinctive lands and grooves.  The magazine is clean and grips match the gun. The original intent was to issue the 8" weapon to gun boat crews but it then became standard issue to machine gun crews and artillery units.

Acknowledging a requirement to protect the crew served weapons the German army was in search of a shorter, more lightweight weapon than the G98.  The Luger Carbine was well known (the Kaiser hunted with one), so the idea for a long barreled pistol with a stock was an easy jump to make.  In 1914 DWM produced a very few "artillery" models when the decision was made for the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt to produce the 8" Parabellum and DWM to produce the 4" version. DWM with the greater capacity to expand in 1915 produced both the short and long barrel versions.

The serial numbers are marked in the "military manner" meaning they are exposed on the parts. This Luger has all matching parts. The low 4 digit serial number without a suffix puts this Parabellum in the early part of 1916.

Sometimes in examination people think the leaf site is bent.  However, when raising the site to the full 800 meter position reveals a 7° left movement.  This design compensates for the rifling on the 200 mm barrel which gives the bullet a twist in flight and if properly adjusted will permit a corrected point of impact.  Another example of Luger engineering.

This 90 year old gun has been cared for by other custodians of to preserve it for us today in this pristine condition. The inside of the gun is clean and reflects the effort for cleaning the past 94 years. Lugers that are stored for any period of time should have the wooden grips at least waxed on the inside to protect contact with the metal. The rear main axel pin shows the last two numbers of the serial number from the 1933 order to prevent their exchange between guns once worn.

Right Up: Adjustable front sight; up through part of 1917 the Artillery Luger was manufactured with an adjustable front sight.  This was designed as a precision weapon and with the extended barrel and 800m rear sight make it formidable.  Left Up: The Imperial proofs and the Imperial acceptance stamp appears on the receiver and the barrel,.  Note the serial number on the leaf sight.

It is entirely subjective to give any Luger a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few Lugers are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder.  We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria.