1924 Simson Rig

This is a 1930's Simson & Co., Luger made for the German Weimar Military. It is 9mm with a 4" barrel length and is fantastically proofed. This Parabellum has all matching serial numbers to include matching, original grips. Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen." The barrel is numbered and proofed and matches the frame. This Simson comes with a holster, proofed loading tool, a second matching magazine. (2181)

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Simson & Co., were the designated sole producers of the Parabellum after WWI. Simson began producing Lugers for the Weimar Republic from April 1, 1924 until March 31, 1934. Hence the 1925-1926 chamber dates. Some people write that dated Simpsons' are all re-works; others indicate that after the initial supply of parts from Erfurt were expended Simson built their own. No Simson worker nor documentation has survived to verify all the antidotal history, so we have to surmise most of our information from collective inspections of various guns attributed to Simson and their multitude of identifying proofs.

The book by Edward Tinker and Graham Johnson, The Simson Luger, has attempted to document by profusely illustrating the development of the Simson Luger and provides extensive research into this most prized collector Parabellum. This is a marvelous gun to study for all the proofs it provides.


This Simson has all the Eagle/6 Simson 1st & 2nd proofs plus Weimar acceptance marks. There are several indications this was a Parabellum made from both DWM parts and Simson produced parts. The first toggle link is marked with the Simson & Co monogram and the beveled edges reveal DWM manufacture vs. the later Simson toggle link that was more square. The lower grip area also has the pronounced toe on the front of the frame; subsequently reduced in the Erfurt & Simson production.



The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the left side of the receiver, under the barrel and the last two digits on most small parts. All serials match including both magazines. There are inspector marks all over the weapon in a variety of eagle 6 stamps. Most prominent is the Eagle 6 Simpson Military First Inspection proof. Proof marks are well struck and clearly visible.

The tale remains in the proofs. Note above the 1st and 2nd Military proofs, the and then the Simson final acceptance proof; all finely struck and good examples. The final acceptance stamp also appears on the front toggle. The barrel is very clean with distinctive lands and grooves showing a shiny interior surface. Also note the Weimar acceptance Eagle; multiple serial numbers and Weimar proof on the barrel and breechblock.

The rear toggle is also proofed and serial numbered to the gun. There is the "V" rear sight on the last toggle link and it has a stock lug and Geladen (Loaded) on the extractor.

Note the proof on the back of the trigger and the magazine release. Simson was not to be upstaged by the proofing of their presumed predecessor the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt.

Simson & Co., manufactured Lugers for the German Military from 1922 to 1934 in Suhl Germany. This weapon shows no evidence of being a re-work or just assembled by Simson from DWM or Erfurt parts. As with most Lugers, the tale of the gun is in its proofs and these Simson proofs place it as a newly manufactured gun made on or after 1933.


The holster was modified from a early police holster with the strap and stud closure to a military holster with the strap & buckle. During this period Germany was in the grips of the great depression and burdened by reparations sought by the Allies for WWI. Nothing was discarded but converted to new use. This All matching Simson & ^Co Luger comes with a proofed Weimar military holster, a Eagle 6 proofed loading tool and a second matching magazine.

This is a very clean Luger and an excellent collectors piece with all the historic proofs and a complete military rig. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and when exposed (safety down) means safe.

Here is visible the four digit serial number, the exact caliber, and the 1st Military parts proof on the front trigger guard and on the locking bolt lever. The barrel reveals the serial number and gauge markings while the frame has both the early Stage I & II proofs. On he right the matching magazine has the Eagle 6 proof while the bottom of the rear frame has two E/6 proofs.

The back of the has a strange manufacturer's cartouche that our research has failed to identify The Weimar WaffenAmt is clearly distinguishable however, on the front of the holster you can barely make out a date stamp of 1925 or 1927. The secrets this holster has makes it an enigma for someone to unravel.

The holster is fully functional with the leather still subtle and the stitching is white. This is a marvelous rig of late date Simson military rig.

The Simson Luger association was a by-product of the Treaty of Versailles. Then as the only producer of Lugers, Simson inherited (bought?) all the parts, dies and equipment of the Erfurt Arsenal after the First World War. Unfortunately, this firm was Jewish owned and when Hitler came to power in 1934 its association with Luger production was assimilated.


The Simson contract ran from 1923 to be renewed annually which mostly covered the re-work of military pistols, The 1925 contract with the Reichswehrministerium (*Rw.M*) 1934 ending with the "S" marked toggle code. There were only approximately 12,000 Simson P-08's produced on this contract with the numbering beginning in 1925 with 1 to approximately 2000a.

Simson Serial Numbering ran from 1 to below 600 on "1925" dated the Simson guns and below 700 for the "1926" dated guns. Simson Parabellum after serial number 700 were undated and bore two-line Simson toggle up to approximately 10000 when the "S" Code toggle was introduced in 1934. There are no records indicating the annual delivery of Lugers to the Reichswehr, however extrapolation would put production at

On the Left is the E/6 proof on the loading tool, a part itself a treasure for the collectors; note the Eagle /6 on the side plate, licking lever, (below), on the extractor, side of the frame and the Weimar proof on the left side of the barrel.


On the back of the trigger and the rear of the magazine release is the Eagle 6 Simson Proof. Above Right: Note the Eagle 6 proof on the bottom of the thumb safety. These small proofs follow the pattern of the early Erfurts and the 1910 order for proof marks.

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. If there are any other pictures of some position of the gun or questions about the Luger please contact josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

The grips are serial numbered to the gun. The magazine is proofed with the Simson Eagle 6. In 1932 the Reichswehrministerium issued an order that the rear connecting pin be serial numbered to the gun. You can also see a fine examples of the fire-blued pin. This at the very least helps us date this gun to the late '20's or prior to 1934 when at Ser #10,000 the 2nd toggle changed to "S". (Below) you can see the craftsmanship present in the machined parts, all serial number, all matching.

Simson & Co., received the machinery from the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt and apparently some of the tradesman that worked at the Erfurt factory. The method of proofing every part is reminiscent of the Erfurt's where no detail was too small. What a wonderful gun to study.
The thumb safety has the serial number on top and the Simson Eagle 6 on the bottom. Even the grip screws are proofed (Up) making this an extraordinary example of the early '20s Simson manufactured Luger. Simson's due to their limited production and fine quality have become recognized for their investment value by collectors much like the Krieghoff. If one is to have one Simson in their collection this would be the one. If you are a Simson collector you would know how difficult it is to find one of these undated models in this fine of condition. This Luger has been cared for over 85 years now. It is looking for a good home.

This Luger has been well cared for over the years and properly stored in a private collection. 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. See Lugers at Random P 222-223. Görtz & Sturgess Volume III

We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria. If you need additional pictures to complete your buying decisions then direct Questions to: josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

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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