German Luger Collectibles

1915 DWM Imperial SOLD

This is a completely matching, 1915 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. (2001)

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 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.

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 trigg

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 1915 date over the chamber and then the "84" on the extractor, 1st toggle link and the back of the 2nd toggle. Also the last two numbers of the serial number is on the top of the thumb safety.

The proof marks are the amazing story of this guns. The four proofs on the right side beginning left to right are individual inspections and the fourth proof is the DWM acceptance. DWM and Erfurt had different Imperial acceptance proofs with the DWM Proof having a rounded swirl above the "legs" while an Erfurt acceptance proof will have a triangle at the bottom of the eagle and one leg holds the bar of justice and the other cross of peace.

The early (non-fluted) firing pin has the last two digits of the serial number.

On the breach block is the Imperial Acceptance Proof and the lst two digits of the serial number on on the 1st and 2nd toggle link.

The front and rear of the gun displaying the front sight blade which is designed for a 50 meter impact point and the rear sight has the 'v' notched sight. The barrel is strong with distinctive lands and grooves.

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.

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 100 yr old guns and those that have survived today are treasured in collections throughout the world.


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. The barrel is shiny and shows distinct lands and grooves. The above picture shows the Parabellum in full recoil and the side plate and grip removed. Once can see the insides reflect the care and maintenance this 100 yr old battlefield favorite deserves.This Luger shows characteristic holster wear on the side plate and front exposed edges of the rails and end of the barrel.

The Imperial proofs are well struck and tell the story of the gun. On the right side of the receiver are the production proofs of DWM (Crown S) and the DWM military acceptance stamp including the test proof on the barrel. The Army Test proof was applied to the right receiver, the top of the barrel and left breechblock. The barrel inside is shiny with distinctive lands and grooves.

The extractor is marked GELADEN [Loaded] which tactilely and visually tell the shooter the gun is loaded. The last two digits of the serial number appear on all the small parts as indicated by the arrows. These Parabellums were rust blued and have that deep coat which has preserved the gun the past 100 years. The safety is marked "Gesichert" with the safe position being downward.

The grips are marked with the last two digits of the serial number and are in excellent condition.

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 most distinctive feature of these pistols is undoubtedly the toggle-lock mechanism, which holds the breech closed by locking in a manner not unlike the human knee, which can sustain a heavy weight when straight, but once bent is quite easy to continue to bend. The toggle joint in its straight position resists the rearward force of the detonating cartridge, then "buckles" after enough time has passed. When a round is fired the entire breech, barrel and toggle move straight rearward (on rails) until the toggle begins to ride up on a pair of cams that "breaks" the toggle (makes it bend at the joint). Once the toggle joint is no longer straight, it bends freely, allowing the bolt to come rearward, and the striker to be cocked. The spent cartridge is extracted by a combination extractor/loaded chamber indicator on the top of the toggle, is ejected as the toggle nears the end of its rearward free travel, returning, and a new round is stripped from the magazine and chambered as the toggle is driven back to the straight position by a spring.

Firing modern day ammunition in the German Parabellum requires three consideration. After you have thoroughly inspected your gun for safety considerations and functionality: The Luger is designed for a strong ammunition and works best with a minimum of 115 grain bullet to avoid "stove piping" or the failure to fully eject. You need to use a new after-market magazine to insure the spring strength of the magazine will not present a failure to feed. Then there are the basic rules of Shooting:

1. Treat Every Gun as it is Loaded, 2. Never Point the Muzzle of your gun at something you don't want to destroy. 3. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. 4. Check your surroundings to be sure nothing you don't want to shoot is in the path of the bullet. 5. Know how the works that you are firing. 6. Unload and Safely Store your firearm so it is not found or used by someone other than you.

The Kaiser with a Russian prisoner of war.

This DWM 1915 Dated Imperial Parabellum is in very good - excellent 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.

Genuine Lugers Sales - Luger History - Luger Accessories - Luger Holsters - Parabellum