German Luger Collectibles

1936 Krieghoff

This is a final version of the transitional dated 1936 Krieghoff. Initially made at the beginning of 1936, the "S" dated Krieghoff's and then intermixed with the "S" Code and 1936 (four) digit production run of the original contract of 10,000 for the German Air Force. Krieghoff began in 1935 (G-Date) and delivered in 1936, 1937 & 1938. This variation, the full (4 digit) 1936 dated, made by Krieghoff, under this contract: This is presented as an all-matching Krieghoff rig. (213)

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 visit Legal (tabbed) for Conditions of Sale.

Military Krieghoff Lugers bear serial numbers of one through five digits without any suffix. They began military production in 1935 with the "G" Code at serial number 1 and continued consecutively upward until approximately 13000 in early 1945. The serial numbers overlapped "variations" as defined by collectors and require some study to be certain the exact variation one is looking at.


This is an 1936 dated Parabellum with the following characteristics: Krieghoff trademark logo with the sword/anchor and "HK Suhl". This is a 9mm has a 100mm barrel (4") barrel, a thumb safety lever with safe down, marked Gesichert and the extractor is marked GELADEN (loaded). The Luger has a hold open and stock lug. Eagle 2 proofs, Stage I and Stage II, are found throughout the gun (illustrated below). It has been stated that only approximately 2,900 Lugers were produced in the "1936" code series including the "Turkish" contract (delivered with aircraft).

This is a full Rig. There is a 2nd Magazine, a take-down tool, the holster and buckled belt. When your are talking about a "bring back" this Luger was captured intact with the everything.

Note: Eagle 2 Proof Marks and the concealment of the serial numbers on the bottom of the parts to present a clean and beautiful specimen of the Krieghoff craftsmanship.

Krieghoff early style of numbering did not include the barrel but did have the barrel gauge and Eagle 2 proof. By the Late "S" series the gauge markings began regularly to appear horizontally to the barrel. This is an all matching gun including the magazine. The magazines were rolled silver sleeves and aluminum bottom. The Stage I proof was opposite the serial number, a characteristic carried up to approximately the 6,000 range.

In 1934 the Luftwaffe announced it was seeking bids for military pistols. It is assumed that Krieghoff had acquired the old Erfurt Luger tooling from Simpson to enable it to contract for only 10,000 Lugers in 9mm. The chamber date places the assembly as an example of the original military contract.



The serial number is clearly stamped on the receiver and on the rear toggle the proofs and serial numbers are on the underside. There is a 'v' notch rear sight on the rear link and a full bladed inverted 'v' sight on the front. BELOW LEFT: One can see the last two digits of the serial number and the Eagle 2 proofs on the side plate and recoil lever.

There appears to be at least seven different logos that were used on the Krieghoff over the years. A very early anchor and city was followed by the sword anchor and just the city.The Krieghoff early logo is characterized by the symmetrical blade, the city of Suhl is not slanted to the right and the "U" in Suhl is flat bottomed. The handle of the dagger is ovoid shape and shows the clear lines. The one on this Luger begins in the 5,500 serial number range and is characterized by the blade being symmetrical and the "I" in Krieghoff is centered over the "S" in Suhl. The bottom of the U is slanted left to right. The left point of the anchor touches the bottom of the left leg of the "H".

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The Krieghoff reputation has always been the very epitomity of craftsmanship. The Parabellum was no exception with the absence of military markings and proofs on the top and exposed portions of the Luger. Just a nice clean presentation.

Above Left: The firing pin has the Eagle 2 on the rear and the firing pin retainer (Above Right) also is proofed with the E2. These small parts were traditionally marked by Krieghoff.

LEFT: The GELADEN (Loaded) which pops up when there is a round in the chamber to both physically and visually tell the shooter that the gun is ready to shoot. . RIGHT: The toggle is fully extended and you see the nitrate blued rear main axel pin; while in order to avoid mixing of the rear main axel pin of the P.08 the *Chef der Heeresleitung* in March 17 1932 ordered in the Wehr. A. In 2 III., that the last two digits of the serial number were to be stamped on the head of the axel. Krieghoff rarely built them numbered; however this pin is proofed.

Above Left: The rear main axel pin is proofed with the Eage 2. Above Right: The inside of the sear stop (Thumb Safety) also has an Eagle 2 proofing. When Krieghoff began production it is apparent all the small parts were inspected.


Original Krieghoff holster were never marked or proofed on the outside. This makes them a rarity in their own right. The only identification was the Eagle 2 Stage I proof inside the holster. It is unknown if the holsters were made by a local subcontractor or how they were come by. They are rarely found on gun past the 1937 date so it is surmised the order was for the 10,000 contract guns. Here is one of the orginals with the second matching magazine and a proofed loading tool.

The leather is soft and flexible to touch. The stitching is firm and the pull strap is intact and functional. The tool pouch is well sewn and servicable.

The loading tool appears to be struck twice with the Eagle 2 Stage I proof as on the two matching magazines.

The only identifying feature of a original Krieghoff holster is the Eagle 2 proof on the inside. No other marks appear on the original Krieghoff holsters.

Contrary to popular opinion that pilots carried the Luger the principle recipient of the Krieghoff Luger was the German Paratroops ( Fallschirjager) A Luftwaffe general, Kurt Student, was given charge of airborne training and the Parabellum was the sidearm of choice.


Note: Eagle 2 Proof Marks and the concealment of the serial numbers on the bottom of the parts to present a clean and beautiful specimen of the Krieghoff craftsmanship. This rig consists of the all matching "1936" dated Krieghoff Parabellum with two matching magazines, a Krieghoff proofed loading tool and a proofed Krieghoff holster. This is a must have gun for the Krieghoff collector who wants the best for the collection.

Krieghoff distinctively marked their guns in a commercial manner with the locking lever and the side plate. RIGHT: The side plate is serial number marked on the back along with the Stage I proofs on the sear bar and the side plate(inside).

On the left are the Krieghoff stamp Eagle 2 and the drooped wing test proof (Stage I). Right: Early gun numbering was exposed and later in the series the numbers became concealed on the locking lever and side plate. The acceptance stamp in on the right frame and on the barrel. The minute proofs are really marvelous and a sign of the craftsmanship of the Krieghoff.

Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The serial number placed this in the middle of where Gibson reported the range of the "1936" chamber date; 4,400-7,500. An estimated 2,900 production of this variation. This is fine, well struck example. This Luger has all matching numbers.

This weapons can be transferred with an FFL and/or an C&R. If you are a collector it pays to have your own Curios and Relics license. If you need more information about the gun to make your decisions then email josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

The Krieghoff family were weapons makers going back to 1886 in the city of Suhl and their craftsman specialized in sporting rifles and weapons of great quality. When Adolph Hitler came to power, the craftsman of Krieghoff were called upon to produce the machine guns for the aircraft of the Luftwaffe. Through their association with Air Marshall Hermann Göring who decided he wanted the best of the Pistole for his Luftwaffe Krieghoff was contracted to produce 10,000 Parabellums. When the US Army invaded Suhl, a sector negotiated as part of the Russian spoils of war they evacuated the bulk of the Krieghoff craftsman to the American sector saving a great treasure in gun makers.

Production commenced in the Suhl plant in 1934 and by the end of 1937 the 10,000 contract was completed. This completed the "Early" military contract of which this Luger is a member. While there are very few examples known of the "G" chamber marked date (less than 50 believed produced) they are believed to be the 1934-5 production. The "S" dated chambers were begun in 1936, followed by the "36" and then the full "1936". hereafter the full year dates were used.


With the grips removed the revealing inside shot reveals that this Parabellum was cared for by a conscientious collector with cleaning and maintenance. This preservation leaves us with these trophy guns to enjoy today.

The 1st and 2nd toggle have the serial number underneath and the Eagle 2 proof on both parts. So to the coupling link is proofed.

On the outside of the breach block is the last two digits of the serial number, the State I & II Eagle proof mark. The firing pin retainer and the rear toggle are marked with the Eagle 2. The toggle knobs of the Krieghoff show distinct countersink to the hole while the DWM had a slight countersink Mauser and Simson had none.

On the left are the Krieghoff stamp Eagle 2 and the drooped wing test proof (Stage I). Right: Early gun numbering was exposed and later in the series the numbers became concealed on the locking lever and side plate. The acceptance stamp in on the right frame and on the barrel. The minute proofs are really marvelous and a sign of the craftsmanship of the Krieghoff.

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. The gun is classified as a Curio and Relic and can be shipped directly to those licensees. We reserve the right to withdraw any firearm from an auction site that is sold over the counter. Prices are adjusted for cash transactions. Thanks for looking.

Krieghoff used four distinct grips. The early walnut grips that appears on the 1935-1936 models were not the same as the DWM or Simson grips but Kreighoff grips had an almost slab configuration and the diamonds were more course. The appearance of the brown plastic grip started in the mid "S" range and were a fine diamond design and manufactured by Hermann Ritzmann & Sohne and bore an 8964 stamp on the obverse. These were phased out in 1937 for a more courser diamond grip through 1939 when the black grips were introduced for the 1940 production.

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This offering includes the all matching gun, 2 matching magazine, a Krieghoff holster and an Eagle 2 proofed loading tool. This wonderful work of Krieghoff is offered for $10,450 over-the-counter to the serious Luger collector.

We reserve the right to sell any internet offering to a direct sale and do not warrant the availability of any firearm that does not have a physical deposit. This gun may be withdrawn without notice for in-store sale. Call for availability. Any questions or request for additional pictures email to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com.

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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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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