1908 Navy

1908 Navy Luger

This is a 1908 DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken) Imperial Navy This piece is a 6 inch (150mm) barreled 9mm Parabellum with the Navy adjustable rear sight and matching Navy magazine. (1110)

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. Please read "Legal" for all the terms of the sale.

In August 1904 the German Navy underwent testing of 5, 9mm Selbstladepistolem Model 1904 from DWM. The trial was successful and in September 1904 the Navy asked the Kriegsministerium to order 2,000 Model 1904 navy pistols as soon as possible. Thus began to first acceptance of the 'Luger' by the German military. The 1904 Navy incorporated the new coil mainspring, the new extractor with the loaded-chamber markings. These "improvements" were underway during the testing an acceptance of the navy model.


This Navy is the classic; complete with matching magazine. The finish shows honest wear and would be rated excellent for an Imperial Navy. This model has a hold open latch and stock lug.

Serial number placement is in the commercial ("hidden") style. The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the bottom of the locking bolt, on the trigger, on the bottom of the barrel, the side plate, the left side of the receiver, and under the first toggle. These are all characteristic of the Navy.


The 1908 Navy has the thumb safety and a stock lug. This Luger has all matching numbers. There are many theories as to why the rings on the Navy magazines; 7.65 - vs. - 9mm, to separate the magazines for accountability. In any case it makes it easy to identify a Navy.

The excellent condition of this Navy and the fact it has the Werft Wilhelmshaven marked on the rear grip but not a number would suggest that it was at the port but never issued to a unit or ship. This is a scarce example of the Imperial Navy just after adoption.


The first toggle link is marked with the DWM logo. There is the two-position (100-200m) sight on the rear toggle link and the last two digits of the serial number appear. This is a collector grade gun.

The Crown M proof on the barrel and other parts is the Marinen (Navy) proof of the Imperial Navy. Navy's were marked as like the commercial models with the side plate and locking lever numbered on the bottom and not on the side. This is an "all matching" Luger in extraordinary condition for a 1908 Navy with honest wear on the front of the muzzle and exposed edges of the side plate.

Here you can see the matching serial number of the barrel, the front of the frame, the locking lever and the bottom of the side plate. The Navy front sights had the year of manufacture on the left side of the sight, a distinction shared only with Imperial Navy's. The 4816 serial number is a early 1908 model and had an "b" suffix. The magazine is matching with the *Marinen* Crown Proof & the matching serial number.
The Imperial Navy is one of the rarest WWI guns that collectors seek. From 1904-1917 the German Navy bought the 6" (150mm) barreled Parabellums. Once the Imperial Fleet returned to port the Naval Divisions were deployed to the Western front to reinforce the Imperial Army. At the end of the war the Allied Commission created by the Treaty of Versailles banned Germany from weapons longer than 100mm. For the Imperial Navy's that weren't lost to war they were converted to the 100mm barrel length and the Weimar Navy began adopting the shorter barrel Luger. To find one of these in this minty condition is a treasure for the collector investor.

The Navy has a distinctive rear tangent sight that is set for 100 meters and 200 meters. On the top of the thumb safety is the last two digits of serial number.

The German Navy had three dockyards — at Wilhelmshaven, Kiel and Danzig. The last named was of minor importance, at least as a fitting-out yard. The dockyard superintendent (Oberwerst Director) was a Rear-Admiral or captain, and is directly subordinate to the Secretary of State. In this case the gun was delivered to Wilhelmshaven and should have subsequently been assigned to a ship where the ships armorer would have placed a unit number for which it was assigned. The absence of this number suggest the Luger wasn't assigned but remained at the Werft in storage.

In the years before World War I Germany initiated a major fleet building program to enlarge its fleet - the Hochseeflotte - to a size nearly as powerful as the Royal Navy, the most powerful fleet in the world. Although the initial reason for creating this huge fleet was to protect German overseas trade, a lesson learned in several wars against Denmark in the 19th century, the key naval strategy in World War I was focused in one single decisive naval battle between the Hochseeflotte and the Royal Navy. It finally took place in 1916, the Battle of Jutland (or the Battle of Skagerak as it is called in Germany). A tactical win for Germany but the fleet remained blockaded in the North Sea for the balance of the war.


The 100/200 meter Navy sight. The Navy was issued with a stock and holster similar to the 8" (200mm) Artillery model for the Navy Marines. This is the basic Navy that collectors either add or upgrade into their collections. Truly an Imperial Navy collectors classic gun.
NOTICE 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. See Görtz, *The Navy Luger* See Kenyon *Lugers at Random* Page 156

SMS Rheinland show in port. Below the crew of the Rheinland practice small arms training. Below right: Firing the Guns!


The inside of the gun is very and well cared for over the years. This gun is an exceptional Luger being in such fine shape and bearing all the correct proofs and markings to make it a text book "Navy".

Above you can see the wide flange that was utilized on the post 1908 Navy Lugers. This was from the experience of the force of the cartridge driving the toggle back out of battery with such speed and force that the rear main axel pin could become exposed and chipped. Above right is the Geladen marked on the extractor which the shooter could tell day or night (by feel) that the gun was loaded.

SMS Hindenburg

LAYAWAYS: Sometimes our "significant other" doesn't understand the beauty, craftsmanship and investment potential of one of these investor grade weapons. In these circumstances where discretion becomes the better part of valor we will accept layaways of up to one year with at least 20% down and some activity occurring monthly to insure that after one year the sale is completed. Cancellations of layaways forfeit 33% if done within two months, otherwise 100%. You can transfer a layaway to a consignment sale at any time. See "Legal" for exact terms.

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3 Day Return Policy

We honor a three day return policy. We will answer any questions, send you any pictures, as detailed as you want, to insure that what we are showing you is what you want to see, before you buy it. See Legal.

FIRING ANY WEAPON NEGATES ANY CHANCE OF RETURN!

WARNING: We do not represent these guns as safe to fire. They are not test fired before sale; they are sold as collectibles only. Prior to firing you should have it inspected by a qualified individual and abide by all safety requirements.

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