This is a 1906 Model  Manufactured by DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken) in Berlin  in 9mm for the Portuguese navy.  The original contract was for the Crown over anchor and 80% of that order was delivered before the abdication of Manuel II and DWM to change the head stamp to the R.P. for the Republic of Portugal.  This is a very difficult Luger for the collector to obtain, almost are  as rare as the Russian. (1690)

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 Portuguese were among the most important early supporters of the Parabellum. Receiving some test pieces of the 1900 model and a very few Marked with the Crown Carlos 1^st  the Portuguese conducted tests in 1903 and 1904. After the murder of King Carlos 1^st in 1908 Manuell II took the throne and in 1910 DWM Delivered the Portuguese Army know as the “Army” model.

This Luger has the 100mm (4") barrel on the 1906 squeeze grip safety frame.  Walnut grips with no stock lug, the serial number placement is in the commercial ("hidden") style. The extractor is marked "Carregada".  This Luger has all matching numbers.

There are a lot of differences between the writers concerning the serial numbers of the two variations of the Portuguese Navy. This serial number represents the DWM contract gun serial numbers beginning with 1 through the number of Parabellums ordered in that contract series.

Walker in The Luger Book states the highest known 'Royal' is 769 and the 'Republic' is 993.  Some writings indicate that the original Royal guns were modified placing the serial number series into the R.P. variations above 350. Others find the placement of the crest stamp to be different. With the records unobtainable we are not dead certain where the transition occurred.

In any case, we have a solid three digit Royal Portuguese Navy that be a proud addition to anyone's collection.

The very low, 3 digit number all serialized in the commercial manner (hidden) indicates this  early contract arrival was issued to a 'loyalist' who during the "Crowns" abdication did not alter his P-08 by removing the crown,  The Cal 9mm magazines were again original issue to these extraordinary Portuguese Parabellums because all the other Luger's were delivered in 7.65mm

The top of this Portuguese contract series shows us no proofs or numbers on the extractor or 1st toggle link, nor the top of the thumb safety.  The last two digits of the serial number "25" appears on the rear toggle link.

The above left picture is a close up of the Crown Anchor or "Royal Navy" as know by collectors. Above right shows us the "25" on the grip safety and the receiver in full recoil showing the long sear over the grip safety stop meaning the gun had to be in the safe off position to load and fire the Parabellum in this model.

The first 'Pistola Luger-Parabellum da Marinha Portuguêsa  was delivered early in 1910 with only about 800 delivered by October 5th, 1910. On that date the revolution put the King to flight causing DWM to hastily change the style of the cartouche and they then delivered approximately 200 of the so-called 'Republican Model', in which R.P. (Republica Portuguesa), replaced the crown in the original crown-and-anchor chamber mark. 

The purchase of ‘Army’ Parabellums encouraged the Portuguese navy to follow suit.  However, like the German Navy they ordered the 9mm caliber and 100mm barrels.   A contract for only 1,000 Lugers was placed with DWM late in 1909.  Portugal was not a naval power.  

Another characteristic of these squeeze grip Portuguese Navy's is the extractor marked Carregda which means loaded.  There are no other proofs on these Lugers except the MP. The MP stand for "Marina Portuguesa" and may either have been a condition of the contract or, like the Crown a sales tool of DWM. Here we see the "hidden" method of serial numbers with the last two digits appearing on the bottom of the side plate and locking lever vs. the military proofs on the outside of each.

DWM bowed to many countries in the lettering on the extractor: Carregada on Spanish, Ates on the Turks, Loaded in US, Charge in French and many more in their native alphabet.

The inside of the this Parabellum is in good condition without an "salt water" corrosion or pitting. Once can see the last two digits of the serial number on the grip safety and the serial number on the trigger. These were working gun and released to the public without being restored  There is emerging two markets in historical gun, those that are the original condition and those that are restored.  The market for restored guns has not firmed to a point one can determine who well the job will be done or how the market will treat it.

Another characteristic of these squeeze grip Portuguese Navy's is the extractor marked Carregda which means loaded.  There are no other proofs on these Lugers except the MP. The MP stand for "Marina Portuguesa" and may either have been a condition of the contract or, like the Crown a sales tool of DWM.

The disctinctive Crown over Anchor makes this a wonderful gun in any collection, rare and very detailed it stands out in any group of Lugers.

This variation is very unique and in high demand.  In the September 16, 2011 Greg Martin Auction this variation was offered in excess of $10,000 ($15,000) for a restored gun.  This offering is in the original condition as it was used by the Portuguese Navy.

This Classic Royal Navy Parabellum is a must have for the advanced collector. This is the very rare Royal (With the Crown) Anchor made during the period of King Manuel II. This is considered by collectors as an '06 model with the squeeze grip safety, no stock lug and the polished thumb safety plus a Cal 9mm magazine.

This is a true find of the un-modified Portuguese Navy before the abdication of the royalty and the conversion of these Parabellums to the Republic of Portugual insignia.  This Royal Navy is offered for SOLD over the counter. We reserve the right to withdraw any firearm from an auction site that is sold over the counter. Call for availability; only guns with a deposit will be reserved. 

Any quetions please email josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com .