1920 Krieghoff Re-Work SOLD

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This is a very unusual Parabellum and too unique to be called rare because it may be a one of one. This is a 1920's DWM, what is called an 'alphabet gun' by collectors with a Krieghoff toggle and it is numbered to the gun.   (1908)

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.

 

 During the early 1920's with Germany under the Treaty of Versailles mandate of no barrels greater than 100mm and no calibers 9mm or more for the pistol DWM found itself with stock piles of undelivered Luger's ordered by the former Imperial government and now surplus and the German market in shatters as war reparations and foreign occupation tore it apart.

 
This is a standard frame Parabellum, built for the first World War and on the shelf at the armistice. Under the Treaty of Versailles the Germans had to install a less than 100mm barrel on pistols so they built a 98mm barrel and installed that on the 1920's Lugers.
These guns were made all made for export; during the sales process H.Krieghoff bought 2000 unassembled gun and they began to build, proof and sell them outside of Germany to their buyers.
Serial numbering was done in the commercial or hidden method.  Looking at the bottom of the gun you can see under the barrel, the bottom of the locking lever and the side plate.  Contrary to the traditional five digit serial numbering these surplus frames were numbered as originally for the four digit 1-9999 and then 1a-9999a, etc., Production ended in 1918 for DWM while they were in the "m" block.  It didn't begin until 1919 in the "n" block.
This all matching Parabellum is very unique since it has the vertical Crown N (a commercial modification of proofing begun in the 1902's) and from factory records the 1920-21 production finished out the no-suffix numbers found on these guns.
The International Inspectors from the Allied Commission first gained access to the DWM factory in in mid-1921 and at that time production had gone from the "a" to "b" block.  So we know in 1919 they began in the 'n' block, and in 1920 this was completed and then the no-suffix numbers were run.  1921 must have completed the no-suffix and the "a" and "b" blocks reaching the "i" block by May 1922.

 

 DWM was sold to BKIW effective May 1922 and with it came the numbering change that attempted to "straighten out" the different series of numbering before that time.  As it was the production was just starting in the "i" block it has been generally accepted that "i" block marked the beginning of BKIW production in June 1922. It has been widely accepted that the return to the five digit commercial guns began at the 2001i serial number it appears that this Parabellum doesn't meet that rule.

 

The grips are serial numbered to the gun as in the traditional military manner.  Above Right we can see the short sear and the toggles in full recoil.
One of the indications of manufacture and time is the application of the circle-N in the lug well and 'N' stamp on the stop lug. This indicates the parts were made by DWM and before 1920. So all we can conclude is that this was bought off the shelf either assembled or partially finished by Krieghoff. Close examination of the witness marks for the barrel and receiver.  Logic takes you to the removal of the 9mm barrel and installation of the 7.65mm barrel so Krieghoff could market it.

 

 As part of the 1922 production there was a block of 2000 Parabellums that were purchased by H. Krieghoff for sale from Suhl.  These were a mixture of guns with some dated others blank chamber, some DWM early manufacture and other BKIW. These were hand stamped on the rear frame with the markings KRIEGHOFF  SUHL with each word stamped separately.  Pictured on Page 568 of the Görtz & Sturgess Vol II Pistole Parabellum is serial number 7140i a near neighbor to the subject gun.

 

While this Parabellum defies a lot of the "known" rules it represents a very unique combination of applied rules and changing of procedures during the Weimar era.  The 7.65mm barrel, the four digit with suffix serial number, the vertical Crown N proof, and the Krieghoff toggle and unmarked magazine all inconsistences gathered in one unique Parabellum.  This will be the best bargain priced Krieghoff one could own.

With the left grip and side plate off and the gun in full recoil held open by the "hold open device" we can see the inside of this Parabellum has been cared for over it's life with no evidence of rust or pitting. This is a 1914 model with the short sear and serial numbers hidden.

Under the barrel, under the locking lever and side plate and on the trigger are the matching serial numbers.

Randall Gibson, author of  The Krieghoff Parabellum, recognized the Krieghoff purchase and production of the 1920's within the definition of the Krieghoff Logo.  Careful observation of the subject gun finds the design of the logo matches that of the Type A of the first style which was only used on the DWM converted Lugers. Above Right: Examples of the vertical (1922-) Crown N, the Geladen (Loaded), and the rarely seen on these guns the Crown N horizontally on the breech block.
This Krieghoff is in excellent condition with a strong bore and excellent grips. The original finish is worn at the high points with the standard strawed and fire blued parts. Crown N proofed with the GERMANY export markings indicated it was designed for export.
The right side of the receiver is only marked with the export marking of "Germany" an international requirement that any firearm must be marked with the country of origin upon export.   The vertical Crown N is the commercial proof that was begun regularly in 1922 until 1930 when in the 'v' block Mauser took over production utilizing the Crown 'U' and then in April 1941 the Eagle N was ordered.
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 handgun is C&R eligible and can be transferred/sold in California because C&R handguns are exempt from the roster.

 

On Page 266-267 of The Krieghoff Parabellum, Randall Gibson his depicted Serial 9214i which is a replication of the subject Luger. All the characteristics are the same as this Parabellum and Mr. Gibson cites his photograph and research as the only example (he had seen) of this variation. A really unique Krieghoff and representative of the earliest Krieghoff.

 

A very rare and seldom seen Krieghoff with the 1920 DWM frame and receiver and the Krieghoff Type A toggle makes is a once in a lifetime Parabellum to acquire. Just minty and offered for $OLD over the counter with the reservation that the 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

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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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