1915 Imperial Luger Rig

1915 Imperial Rig Archived

This is a completely matching, 1915 Dated, DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken) WWI Imperial Luger with two matching magazines, an 1915 Imperial holster, belt and buckle and proofed loading tool. This is chambered for 9mm and has a standard 4" 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 96 year old gun. (1102)


The 1914 Model Luger is characterized by the 9mm 4" (100mm) barrel, the rear "V" cut fixed and front dovetailed sight and the frame with the stock lug. These series of Lugers were produced from 1914 until 1918 for the German Military. This Parabellum has all matching numbers. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and when exposed (safety down) means safe.



The magazine bottom, barrel and the receiver are marked with the full serial number. The Imperial magazine bottoms were made of wood and bear the serial number of the gun and the suffix. Each began at 1 and went to 10000 and then went to 1a-10000a; therefore this gun was in 43,438th gun delivered in the 1915 contract.

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 holster is in excellent condition with the stitching still white and functional, all the straps, pouches and covers are still soft and functional. A well preserved piece in an very good condition holster for 95 year old Luger Rig. This all matching gun comes with two matching magazines a rarity for a WWI battlefield bring back.

	Above Left: The manufacturers cartouche with the 1915 Date Stamped. (Note the Soldier's name in green). Above: The loading tool is proofed with an assigned number that we are not certain of the origin. Below: Shot up to show the serial number on the long sear, sear bar lever, side plate, frame left, locking lever, barrel bottom and various other miscellaneous locations

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. 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 Luger has all matching numbers including the magazine. The magazine is wood based, numbered to the gun. The magazine is clean. This Luger shows characteristic holster wear on the side plate and front exposed edges of the rails and end of the barrel.

The Army Test proof was applied to the right receiver, the barrel and left breechblock. Above you can see the unit marking on the holster 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. Above the extractor is marked Geladen and rises when the gun is LOADED so the user can tell by sight or feel when a round is in the chamber.

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. We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria. This weapon is designated as a Curios and Relic (C&R) and be sent directly to those licensed persons or though your local dealer.