1936 Krieghoff

This is an early 1936 dated Krieghoff manufactured Luger in a contract of 10,000 for the German Air Force. This variation was the first to bear the 2 digit date indicating year of production before the four digit date was introduced making it one of the harder to obtain variations. (906)

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.

This Luger has all matching serial numbers, a 9mm Luger has a 100mm barrel and bears the Krieghoff Suhl logo on the front link. There is a 'v' notch rear sight on the rear link and a full bladed inverted 'v' sight on the front. There is a stock lug.

Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. With the full serial number on the front of the frame and on the left side of the receiver and then two digit on the locking lever (below), trigger, inside the side plate and throughout the gun.

This barrel does have the caliber markings found on the early models (881) and is serial numbered to the gun, a practice introduced during the 1936 transition.

It is believed by collectors from magnified examples of the "36" numbering that they bear different characteristics bringing forth the theory that these were hand cut before the full 1936 date stamps were manufactured. From the serial range and the fact they were interspersed among the "S" dated Lugers this random selection supports the hypothesis.

This supports the contention that less than 500 of this sub-variation were manufactured making it a very desirable piece for the advanced Krieghoff collector.


There are also the full complement of Stage I and Stage II acceptance proofs throughout the Luger. Note below and lower right the acceptance proofs on side plate and toggle.


The barrel is numbered and proofed and matches the frame. There are extensive LWaA 1st & 2nd acceptance proofs throughout the gun. Clean and finely struck. The magazine is the rolled nickel with the aluminum base and is very clean. The magazine is proofed with the correct Stage II proof and is serial numbered to the gun.
	As characteristic of the early contract Lugers, the polishing prior to bluing of these pistols was excellent and superior to the other manufacturer's processes. These contract pistols were salt blued in a bath of 300°F which produced the uniform premium blue appearance. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and safe is in the down position. The extractor is marked "Geladen." NOTE: Right overstrike of Stage II proofs on the receiver. Even the best make mistakes.

This Luger is very clean, no evidence or rust or pitting and in excellent condition.

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 1935 production.

The "S" dated chambers were begun in 1936, followed by the "36" and then the full "1936" .

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. If you want more pictures or a detailed shot just email your request. Questions to Josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

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