German Luger Collectibles

1917 DWM Imperial SOLD

This is an all matching, 1917 Dated, DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken) WWI Imperial Luger with matching magazine. This is chambered for 9mm and has a standard 4" (100mm) barrel fixed sights and walnut grips. This WWI Luger manufactured for standard issue firearm to the German military. A very unique specimen in good condition with a lot of history in a 100 year old gun. (1301)

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.


The barrel length is 4" (100mm) and is chambered for 9mm. The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the left side of the receiver, on the side plate sear and trigger. This Luger is all matching including the magazine. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and when exposed (safety down) means safe.

These series of Lugers were produced from 1914 until 1918 for the German Military. This is a very unique specimen in good condition from the battlefield. A lot of history travels with this 100 year old Parabellum.

This Luger bears a stock lug and a hold-open. The 1914 Model Luger is characterized by the short frame, the rear "V" cut fixed and front dovetailed sight and the frame with the stock lug. The magazine is a metal wrapped and cripped with the wood bottom.

Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style; displayed on the left side of the receiver, the side plate, the locking bolt, the sear bar safety, the extractor, the forward toggle link, the front of the frame, under the barrel, and on the side of the trigger. The wood bottom magazine bears the same serial number.

This example has all matching numbers. The barrel is numbered and proofed and matches the frame. The first toggle link is marked with the DWM monogram, and there is the "V" rear sight on the last toggle link.

The very early proofs of the Germany military acceptance. 1910 was the first recognized year of military contract markings. Approximately 17,000 1910 dated Lugers were reported manufactured. There was no reported 1910 models manufactured by the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt.

DWM followed the policy of numbering 1-10000, 1a-10,000a then a production run of 17,000 would only reach into the "b's". However the 1908 1st Issue models began the numbering and ran through 4828b at which point the 1910 date was added to the chamber.


The DWM acceptance proof on the barrel is visible from this view. The 1917 date over the chamber and then the "98" on the extractor, 1st toggle link and the back of the 2nd toggle.

Above Left: With the side plate removed you can see the matching serial number on the trigger. Above Right: The sear stop is numbered and the breach block has the Imperial proof.

The fixed front and back of the Imperial Parabellum. The front site was set at 50 meters and when aligned had a strike mark on the barrel band, while the "V" site was machined into the reimforced rear site. Both the front and back grip space is in very good condition. .

This is a one hundred three year old gun that has preserved its piece in history by maintaining the very good condition which is show on these pictures. These military Parabellums were at the top of the technology, semi-automatic, thumb and sear safety, eight round capacit. No wonder every veteran wanted to bring one home.

At the outbreak of WWI the German Army seemed reasonably equipped with the Luger Pistol. The DWM factory in Berlin moved to peak production by 1915 and were producing 700 Parabellums per day.

The combined production for DWM during the war years is only estimated at 740,000. This was extraordinary for this period when each Luger was individually machined and hand fitted and proofed. The war destroyed vast quantities and these 90 yr old guns that have survived today are treasured in collections throughout the world. TEXT


On the right side of the receiver are the production proofs of DWM and the DWM military acceptance stamp including the test proof on the barrel. While the quality of the guns finish was almost to pre-war standards they were still expertly fitted and the finish was excellent. The Army Test proof was applied to the right receiver, the barrel and left breechblock. The right side of the receiver displays all the Imperial Army acceptance stamps. Original grips are finely cut diamond shaped checkering made from walnut or in some cases beech wood. These grips are serial numbered to the gun.

Above Left: The Imperial proofs were always applied with the crown over a letter at each stage of proofing. On the far right is the DWM completion stamp. Right Up: A close up of the trigger, locking lever, side plate and receiver and barrel with the all matching serial numbers.

Military Lugers were numbered 1-10000 and then 1a-10000a, 1b-1000b, and so on, each year starting over. While the DWM and Erfurt Arsenal final acceptance proofs appear similar eagles on the talons of the Erfurt Arsenal is the cross of peach and the globe while DWM has the crown over the eagle and curled talons.

The extractor is marked "Geladen" on the left side and the safety is marked "Gesichert" with the safe position being downward. The proof marks are the amazing story of this guns. On the left is the frame and barrel matching serial numbers. The thumb safety is thumb marked, as the sear stop and 1st toggle link.

Did this Parabellum see some service? Look to the rear toggle where it hits the frame and you can see the indent from the rearward movement of the toggle. Yes, it has been to war and now it is looking for a good home.

Foward Observers (Note their holstered Parbellums)


The inside of the gun is clean and well cared for. The exterior shows honest wear on the muzzle, barrel and high points on the sides for a hundred year old batterfield survivor. The barrel is shiny and shows distinct lands and grooves. This Luger shows characteristic holster wear on the side plate and front exposed edges of the rails and end of the barrel.

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. Any questions or request for additional purchases email to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

The extractor is marked "Geladen" on the left side and the safety is marked "Gesichert" with the safe position being downward. The proof marks are the amazing story of this guns. On the left is the frame and barrel matching serial numbers. Military Lugers were numbered 1-10000 and then 1a-10000a, 1b-1000b, and so on. The thumb safety is thumb marked, as the sear stop and 1st toggle link.

It is entirely subjective to give any firearm a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few collectible weapons 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. Any questions or request for additional purchases email to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com. This firearm is eligible for transfer to C&R permit holder, even in California. We are registered with CA DOJ for firearms shipment.

The Kaiser with his Officers

This 1917 dated P08 is in good - very good condition. This Parabellum show honest holster wear and a strong shiny barrel. This gun may be sold before being posted as such on the internet.

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.

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.

See Credits, Bibliography, Notices and Disclaimers.

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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