1928 Dutch Contract SOLD

Genuine German Luger - Largest Variety of Lugers Offered
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This is a 1928 commercial 9mm on a new 1906 Model frame, 100mm barrel with a grip safety and no stock lug. Berlin-Karlsruher Industrie-Werke Aktiengesselshaft (BKIW) bear the marking DWM the forward toggle link, "RUST" with an arrow curving upwards above the thumb safety lever and "GELADEN" on both sides of the extractor. The Dutch labeled this as the M11 and only 3,820 were delivered in 1927/1928  (1487)

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 the beginning, the Netherlands was one of the first countries to adopt the Luger officially, their initial order having been placed before 1908. They reordered at least once before the outbreak of the First World War and possibly twice. Despite the fact that they are one of the world's smallest nations, the Netherlands were good customers of DWM. Not only did the Army use the Luger but also the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Royal Netherlands Indies Army (K.N.I.L.).

 

The 1928 Contract differed from the WWI orders with the installation of the short sear that enabled the gun to be cocked with the safety applied. This was a result of George Luger's invention of the short sear in 1915 and applied to 1916+ Parabellums.

With the five digit serial number and the Crown N these Lugers were initially built for Commercial sales and with the serial numbers in the hidden position under the locking lever and side plate.
The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the bottom of the proofed barrel, locking lug, side plate, breach block, trigger, rear toggle link, rear connecting pin, and grip safety.

 

It is reported that, for some unknown reason, the Netherlands placed an order for approximately 10,000 Luger Pistols sometime during the course of the First World War. Why the order was placed with Vickers, Ltd. of England is unknown. It is a known fact that Lugers had been received from DWM in 1916, or at least examples so dated have been encountered.

 

The Netherlands was one of the first countries to adopt the Luger officially, their initial order having been placed before 1908. They reordered at least once before the outbreak of the First World War and possibly twice. The requirement to arm the South Indies colonies grew after the WWI requiring additional side arms.

All pistols were delivered under German proof law of 1891. the principle as simple; handguns could be marketed only when they had been tested in an official proof institute. So the Crown N or Nitro proof was applied to these commercial gun. Prior to 1928 the Dutch proofed the deliveries with the Crown W (Queen Wilhelmina) but after 1928 accepted the German proofing. 

One of the characteristics of the Dutch contracts was that the extractor was marked on both sides. this was a peculiarity only with the Dutch Parabellums throughout production of the Luger.  BELOW: (A) German Nitro Proof, (B) Geladen (Loaded on both sides); (C) Serial # on the short sear; (D) Rust - Only on Dutch Lugers.

Most Dutch Indies Lugers are encountered with  a brass plate, measuring approxi­mately 1 1/2 inches in length by 3/8ths of an inch in height, will probably be found to be braised onto the left side of the frame between the wooden grip and the left toggle. This Parabellum was assigned to a Communications Company, 2nd Battalion Engineers weapon #24.

 

These plates were added to the pistol by the Netherlands Government and usually have various combinations of letters and numbers inscribed thereon. They acted as identification plates for the profusion of military units to whom Lugers were issued.  This rear area unit may account for the excellent condition this Dutch Luger may display.

 

All pistols, holsters, magazine pouches and pistol accessories of the Dutch East Indies Army were fitted with so-called Unit Marks and weapon numbers when they entered the service. Small brass plates, side plates on pistols and stamps were used to distinguish various units. Initially small brass plates were placed on the front trigger guard. Later with more complicated unit designations the brass plate was located on the side of the Luger.

 

Above the two digits of the serial number appear on the 1st toggle and back of the 2nd toggle.  Below the hold open is marked with the last two digits of the serial number in the military manner.

The inside of the Parabellum is in Fair to Good where the wood of the grips made contact with the metal there is a loss of blue which is still in excellent shape considering the tropical climate that these guns were deployed in.

Above: Perhaps to date the gun, but then again purely speculative, the numbering of  the rear connecting pin was a 1932 German directive. This pin is marked with the '65' last two digits of the serial number.  While the Dutch were very innovative in their modifications and requirements for their firearms they were either finely tuned to the German requirements or the Germans adopted this practice in 1932. The grips are numbered to the Parabellum.

A Dutch Luger mark that has been much discussed over the years is the KL mark or the Circle KL mark. The only Dutch Lugers so marked are the 3,820 East Indies Luger pistols delivered in 1928 where it was factory applied on the right hand side of the receiver. Unfortunately there is no documentary evidence of the KL and has been explained as Koninklijke Landmacht (Royal Army) or Koninklijke Luchmacht (Royal Air Force). Another more plausable is the initials KOL mean Koloniën (colonies) and it was applied by DWM in 1928 to distinguish between the Indies Lugers and the Dutch Navy Lugers.  Your choice.

It is entirely subjective to give any weapon a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few guns 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 have any questions about this or any of our Lugers email Josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

 

This 1928 Dutch 9mm East Indies Unit Marked Parabellum is probably the best we have ever seen. The original finish is far beyond what is expected of the Dutch variations and with the original small diamond grips this is a very fine example of the KOL examples. While most of the Vickers survived in extremely worn condition by virtue of their employment in the Dutch colonies this model is a collector grade gun for the most discriminating collector who simply wants the best.   This Parabellum is subject to withdrawal without notice for over the counter sale.  Any questions to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com   Thanks for looking. This Luger is now offered for $4,695.00 to the Dutch collector.

 

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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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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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