1934 Persian Artillery

1934 Mauser Persian Contract SOLD

This is a 1934-36 Persian Contract gun manufactured by Mauser for the Shah of Iran. This piece is a 8 inch (200mm) 9mm Parabellum which by serial number, in Farsi, (3745) and places it in the 2nd lot of pistols to leave Mauser in June 1936 to fulfill the Persian Military Contract. A complete rig with the matching stock, (3) matching magazines, cleaning rod and loading tool. (1919)

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(Left) Imperial Coat of Arms of Iran under the Pahlavi Dynasty, used from 1925 to 1979

Mohammad Rezā Shāh Pahlavī 26 October 1919 – 27 July 1980) was the last Shah of Persia from 16 September 1941 until his overthrow by the Iranian Revolution on 11 February 1979. He was the second and last monarch of the House of Pahlavi of the Iranian monarchy. At present, he is regarded as the last King of Iran. Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi held several titles: His Imperial Majesty, Shahanshah (King of Kings, Emperor), Aryamehr(Light of the Aryans and Bozorg Arteshtārān (Head of the Warriors) Persian: بزرگ ارتشتاران).


If you are an Artillery Luger collector this is the Crown Jewel of collections. Mauser collectors view this as one of best of the early '30s contract guns. With all the writing in Farsi, including the serial numbers this is one of the most unusual Lugers in existence.

This is a standard 1914 Model artillery (200mm barrel) gun designated by collectors as a 1934 Mauser Contract Luger. The finish is 98+% Blued and 95% 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 no rear sight on the rear toggle link.

These models show the attributes of the DWM machining leading one to believe that they were built from the 1914 model DWM parts. The machining is crisp and finely polished, old-country craftsmanship fully on display.

Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, Shah of Persia; 26 October 1919 – 27 July 1980), ruled Iran from 16 September 1941 until his overthrow by the Iranian Revolution on 11 February 1979. The most recent Shah of Iran, he was the second and last monarch of the House of Pahlavi of the Iranian monarchy of the Pahlavi Dynasty, which 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 tangent sight has the numbering in Farsi and is followed by the Crest over the Chamber and the Farsi last two digits of the serial number over the extractor.

This piece is a 8 inch (200 mm) barrel, 9 mm Parabellum. The front sight is serrated and there is the 800m adjustable artillery rear sight in front of the chamber. on the rear toggle link with the last two digits of the serial number appearing on the rear toggle. This model has a hold open latch customary for this model and the customary stock lug. The first toggle link is marked with the Farsi script stating Mauser, and on the rear toggle link are the last two digits of the serial number appearing in Farsi.

Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the side of the locking bolt, on the trigger, the receiver lug, on the left side of the breech block. The thumb safety is new style, and blued. This Luger has all matching numbers including two additional magazines in a magazine pouch plus the stock is an old style DWM with the Farsi serial numbers in the wood.

The Shah of Iran, as the young prince, came to power during World War II after an "Anglo-Soviet" invasion of Iran forced the abdication of his father Reza Shah. During his reign, the Iranian oil industry was nationalized under Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, and Iran marked the anniversary of 2,500 years of continuous monarchy since the founding of the Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great.

The Shah's White Revolution, a series of economic and social reforms intended to transform Iran into a global power, succeeded in modernizing the nation, nationalizing many natural resources, and extending suffrage to women.

The current government is attempting to take the country back to the middle ages.


	The Pavlavi Persian Coat of Arms was 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.
Over the chamber is the former Royal Seal of Persia. See above right.

The holster is in excellent condition and the color has aged to a medium brown as the early DWM artillery holsters. All the stitching is entact and the cut is practically exact as the older long barrel holster.


With the all matching Persian Mauser Artillery model comes two matching magazines (3745 Farsi) in a dual leather pouch attached to the original leather and Farsi numbered matching stock. The holster is original with a Artillery cleaning rod and loading tool.


The swiveling barrel cleaning rod, a unique tool included with the artillery (Lange Pistole) model, the 1934 "K-Date" Mauser (100mm barrel) and some very rare late Imperial Parabellum.

After Iranian Constitutional Revolution in 1906, Parliament designed a new flag and a new coat of arms. Lion and Sun motif is one of the better known emblems of Iran, and between 1576 and 1979 was an element in Iran's national flag too.

The motif, which combines "ancient Iranian, Arab, Turkish, and Mongol traditions", became a popular symbol in Iran in the 12th century. The lion and sun symbol is based largely on astronomical and astrological configurations; the ancient zodiacal sign of the sun in the house of Leo, which itself is traced backed to Babylonian astrology and Near Eastern traditions.

The motif has many historical meanings. First, it was an astrological and zodiacal symbol. Under Safvis and first Qajar kings, it received a specifically Shi'ite interpretation. In Safavid era the lion and sun stood for two pillars of the society, state and religion. It became a national emblem during the Qajar era. In the 19th century, European visitors at the Qajar court attributed the lion and sun to remote antiquity and since then it got a nationalistic interpretation.


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.
See Kenyon Lugers at Random Page 268 Walter, Page 204 Even the Mauser Banner is written in Farsi. Uniquely Persian.

A more detailed shot of the right side so you can the magnificent scripting on the receiver and toggle and the serial number in Farsi on the front sight and the small parts.

The thumb safety is new style, and straw blued on both the gun and the stock making it truly an original. Above Right: The serial number is 3745 stamped in Farsi on the stock. This is said to be one of the finest examples of Mauser Luger production and coveted by the advance collector. This Luger has all matching numbers is a rare collectible and seldom seen in this condition.

The stock has a boot over the connecting iron to protect it from dirt or injury. To swifly bring the gun into battery one removes the gun from the holster, disconnects the boot snap and attaches the stock to the gun, charges the gun, safety off and you are ready to fire. >

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.


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, two additional matching magazines, loading tool, cleaning rod, stock and of course the holster and accompanying leather.

Above Left: Here is the tangent rear sight with the Farsi numbers for the meters. Above Right is the full serial number on the left of the receiver '3745' and the extractor in the raised position with the Farsi marking for Loaded. This raising of the extractor told the shooter but visually and tactilely that the gun was load. A rear innovation at the turn of the century (20th that is).

Above Left: At some point enroute to the US this Parabellum passes throught a collector in England who because of their proof laws it had to be tested and proofed. An unique addition to the life of this Persian. Above Right: The front sight has the Crown U which was the proof mark of the Mauser Oberndorf plant. These are the only Mauser proof on the entire Luger.

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. RIGHT: The Serial #3745, 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.

The bore is good and the action is tight indicating it has not been fired many times. Below Left the side plate removed and the trigger is also marked in Farsi as is the top of the thumb safety with the last two digits of the serial number.

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.
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. Requests for additional information or pictures to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com This gun may be withdrawn without notice for in-store sale. We reserve the right to sell any internet offering to a direct sale and do not warrant the availability of any firearm that do not have a cash deposit.

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This is a seldom seen Luger variation and an extraordinarily sought after piece for the Mauser collector. The matching gun and stock are very difficult to find. This 1914 DWM Model Persian 1935 Contract in excellent condition with all the Farsi proofs. This Mauser is in minty condition with three matching magazines, and a matching stock.

This offering includes and limited to the "Artillery" 9mm Parabellum, the matching stock, an artillery cleaning rod and loading tool along with a holster, double pouch with two additional matching magazine and accessories, If you are collecting the dated artilleries or even matching rigs then you know how hard it is to obtain one like this. Please call before placing internet order for availability. Any Questions to Josef@www.phoenixinvestmentarms.comub

Layaway Terms: Down Payment $1,670.00 with no interest 12 monthly payment of $567.00 (final payment based on summary of money owed.) Credit card payments incur a 3.75% non-refundable transaction fee.

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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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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