This is a standard 1914 Model  artillery Luger, designated by collectors as the Persian Mauser Contract Luger. The finish is 98% Blued and 96% straw blued and model has a hold open latch.

The first toggle link is marked with the Farsi script stating Mauser, and there is the "V" rear sight on the rear toggle link and the last two digits of the serial number appear in Farsi.

The most recent Shah of Iran, the last of the Pahlavi Dynasty, ruled from 1925 until the abdication in 1979. This family attempted to modernize the nation and Germany, emerging from the WWI and the great depression was an emerging power house in the world. The influence and technology of the Germans were sought and as the Persians aligned themselves with the Germans.

The Farsi markings along with the Farsi numbering and proofs on most of the parts makes the Persian Parabellum one of the most unique and sought after production Lugers. There is some question about the total number of Lugers in this contract.  Some quote 2000, other state that there were 2000 (@) 100mm and 980 (@) 200mm barrels. Somewhere in the sequential serial numbers for the "Artillery" models is the gap created by Siamese guns.

Originally the Islamic countries operated from a lunar calendar begun with the flight of Mohamed from Mecca to Medina in 622. Persia in an effort to modernize adopted the solar calendar (365 days/yr) in the 1920 but adopted the flight of Mohamed as year one.  Therefore, it is believed, that the inscription in Farsi on the right of the receiver reads 1314 but one must add 621 (yrs) to that number to achieve the Model 1935.

Located on the right of the receiver is the Farsi inscription "1314-model short Parabellum pistol". This is commonly interpreted to read Pistol Model 1314 (1935).

Adjacent to that is the Crown Property mark.

The bore is good and the action is tight indicating it has not been fired many times.

The Serial #3931, is proceeded by the Oberndorf proof and a inspectors proof in  Farsi . Then the last two numbers of the serial on the side plate and take down lever.

On the Left of the Receiver is the Crown U, Mauser Oberndorf Proof. 

All the Serial Numbers are in Farsi throughout the gun. It appears to be completely matching to the best of our understanding of Farsi.

In any case this is a very rare model in the US.

 The magazine is also marked in Farsi with the serial number.  The magazine is serial #3432. The grips are in good shape. The grips are fine checkered walnut and match the gun.

See Kenyon Lugers at Random Page 268

Walter, Page 204

Even the Mauser Banner is written in Farsi. Uniquely Persian.

Left is the Farsi marked stock to the gun.   The leather is exceptional and the original.  When the artillery models were released by Iran a significant number of them had the leather discarded because of wear and incompleteness.

At that time local companies were employed to duplicate the leather and these still show up in the market place attached to authentic stocks.  This rig however, is original.

The Persian contract is considered one of the exotic and impressive factory marked Luger of all the production guns. This rig has even has the identity plate attached to the very early artillery straps.  This rig consists of the additional magazine pouch, the holster, loading tool, cleaning rod, stock and of course the holster and accompanying leather.

The Persian Coat of Arms is represented by a Lion with the Sun rising over his back, the right paw is holding a Sword,  the left paw a banner, all under a crown.

The thumb safety is new style, and straw blued on both the gun and the stock making it truly an original.

This Luger has all matching numbers.

This is said to be one of the finest examples of Mauser Luger production and coveted by the advance collector.

This is a seldom seen Luger variation and an extraordinarily sought after piece for the Mauser collector. 

If you love Lugers, or just want to look at some rare Lugers from private collections of the world's most renowned collectors then check this out.

Over 35 Legendary Lugers, in multiple high-resolution shots depicting details you can study, over 90 pictures, close to 30 minutes of viewing time.  Click below to see more.