This is a Chamber Dated 1941 Krieghoff, made for the German Luftwaffe from over-run parts based on the 10,000 gun contract that was completed in 1938 with the shipment of the last 50  contract guns.  This is a 1908 Model, 9mm with a 4" (100mm) Barrel, all matching gun that was assembled and delivered in 1941 as a separate contract is one of an estimated 100 made.  This fine Krieghoff exhibits the both old and new Stage proofing.  (1521)

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.

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.  Most people believe the Lugers were issued to the pilots and air crews but the seats in most of the aircraft where much too small for the Luger. The bulk of the guns went to the Fallschirmjaeger or German paratroops.

The 1941 dates are found in the 11,000 block of serial numbers; mostly grouped between 11,100-11,300 and 11,600 to 12,000 segments.  No explanations is known as to why smaller numbers were used in some of the 1941 models except the large numbers were not available.

The finish is the deep blue that is applied to a finely polished surface and it gives the gun the fine quality of a sporting arm that Krieghoff is famous for.  The grips went from maroon to black after the initial contract and the magazines became the code 122 with the Eagle 37 proof.

The front sight is the full blade inverted "v" mounted on the 100mm barrel. The finish is the deep salt blue that is applied to a finely polished surface and it gives the gun the quality of a sporting arm that Krieghoff is famous for.  The grips went from maroon to black after 1939 and the magazines were nickel-plated roll based until the 6000 serial number range when they became blued Haenel Schmeisser extruded magazines until the late production when they reverted to the 122 code or blank sleeved magazines were utilized.

Serial number placement is in the Krieghoff military ("semi-exposed") style. They kept the serial number under the toggles and side plate.   An estimated 300 production of this variation. This is fine, well struck example.  This Luger has all matching numbers.

Although military in reality these fine handguns were made with the same care and precision as commercial Lugers without the usual exposed  numbering. Just a clean and beautiful Parabellum.

Most people believe the Lugers were issued to the pilots and air crews but the seats in most of the aircraft where much too small for the Luger. The bulk of the guns went to the FLAK Corps and Fallschirmjaeger or German paratroops.

Production commenced in the Suhl plant in 1934 and by the end of 1937 the 10,000 contract was completed. All the serial numbers were sequential. As usual a number of pre-fabricated component parts were made in Suhl for spare parts and were proofed when inspected (1937).

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 "1936" after which Krieghoff used the full date (4 digits). It is estimated that Krieghoff manufactured 12200 of the P.08 for the Luftwaffe.

Proof marks were extensive on the contract Krieghoffs, with both Stage I and Stage II acceptance proofs throughout the Luger. The breech block has the serial number on the side along with the new Stage II proofs while the last toggle link displays the Eagle 2 Krieghoff proof and no serial number on the rear of the 2nd toggle line but under the toggle. On the right side is the early acceptance proof, again indicating that this part was inspected prior to 1939.

Pictures of the bottom of the barrel and left side of the side plate and the top of the Parabellum showing the date and Krieghoff logo.

The serial numbers are of varying fonts. the size on the front of the frame and magazine are close to each other. The number on the bottom of the barrel are significantly smaller than the gauge markings on the barrel and the 1941 date is not explained in any of the surviving materials other than the larger die was not available.   This could mean someone ordered the wrong size or since it is acknowledged that after 1940 production was moved from the main plant the standard size font for the head stamp didn't make the move.

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.

This Logo appears as type C-3 (Gibson Page 84) with the symmetrical blade, the "I" is centered over the "S", the "U" has a flat bottom, the left point of the anchor is well outside the "H" in "HK" and the arms of the anchor have the smaller die radius. Another example of the genuineness of this war survivor.

Since the Krieghoff is one of the most coveted by the collectors many people attempt to "part" these guns together or convert another model to a Krieghoff.  Close examination usually reveals these fakes.

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 late 1937 early 1937 for a more courser diamond grip through 1939 when the black grips were introduced for the 1940  production.  There is no constant to this application as examples of each (except black) appear randomly in the '30's.

H. Krieghoff are said to be the best finished Lugers.  As a long established firearms manufacturer the craftsman and level of finish has always been superb making their products highly desirable. This Parabellum's bore is very good and the gun does not show evidence of being excessively fired.  There is very minimal holster wear on the end of the muzzle and the top of the side plate raised portion and side rails.  Otherwise it is in excellent + condition.     See Kenyon, Lugers At Random, P-328

On the side of the first toggle is the Stage II proof and there are no numbers on the rear main axel pin which is characteristic of the Krieghoff production. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and safe is in the down position.    The extractor is marked "Geladen."  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.

Above Left: On the left side of the Krieghoff there are the old and new Stage I and Stage II proofs which suggests the part was made and proofed earlier and then proofed with the current Stage II (Stylized) proofs. Krieghoff made it a tradition to conceal the serial numbers and keep the gun as clean as possible.

Above Right: Here you can see the extractor in the raised position where you can visually tell it is "Loaded" and feel it in the dark. with the "Geladen" exposed and safety off (as in the above picture) the gun is ready to fire.  Also pointed out is the late Stage II proof on the barrel and breach block.

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.