This is a 1914 Model, chamber dated 1917 DWM 8" model with the 800 meter adjustable rear sight mounted on the barrel. The 1917 Chamber Date is one of the most difficult of the Artillery models to find with an adjustable front site. The original intent was to issue the 8" weapon to gun boat crews but it then became standard issue to machine gun crews and artillery units. This rig comes with a belt holstered rig, cleaning rod, proofed loading tool, field belt buckle and period belt.     (1274)

This is a 9mm weapon with all the matching parts marked in the military manner (exposed). The barrel is 200mm and it has the adjustable  leaf site.  The Imperial proofs are well struck and tell the story of the gun.  The barrel inside is shiny with distinctive lands and grooves.  The magazine is clean and grips match the gun.

This is a 1914 Model, chamber dated 1917 DWM 8" model with the 800 meter adjustable rear sight mounted on the barrel. This 200mm barreled artillery model is all matching, including the stock to the match the gun and the magazines all match.   This dated full rig shows up in this condition once ever 40 years.  

Acknowledging a requirement to protect the crew served weapons the German army was in search of a shorter, more lightweight weapon than the K98.  The Luger Carbine was well known (the Kaiser hunted with one), so the idea for a long barreled pistol with a stock was an easy jump to make.

The barrel length is 8" (200mm) 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.  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. 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 Luger has all matching numbers including the magazine. The magazine is wood based, numbered to the gun. The magazine is clean. The barrel and the receive are marked with the full serial number and suffix.  Additionally there is 8.82 reflected on the barrel which was the proof marking of land diameter of the barrel. The grooves designed to be 9mm.

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.   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.

The frame has the stock lug and the thumb safety. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen".  The barrel is numbered and proofed to the weapon. The inside of the gun is clean and well cared for. The original intent was to issue the 8" weapon to gun boat crews but it then became standard issue to machine gun crews and artillery units.

The Imperial proofs are well struck and tell the story of the gun.  The barrel inside is shiny with distinctive lands and grooves. The exterior of the gun is very clean for 95 year old battlefield pickup. The magazines are clean and grips match the gun. This Parabellum is in very good condition, having been in a good home the last 42 years in a private collection. Below all the parts are displayed.

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. This Luger shows characteristic holster wear on the side plate and front exposed edges of the rails and end of the barrel.

Unit Markings on the front grip strap indicate this Luger was issued to the Infantry Regiment 159, 12th Company, Weapon # 8. One could Google the German Order of Battle and find out where this unit serviced and came from.

Above Left:  The field buckle differs from the brass dress buckle with the subdued Feldgrau color . The Imperial Crown and the Gott Mit Uns (God with Us) appears on the steel buckle. Above Right: Shows the last two digits of the serial number on the small parts plus the four digits on the frame and under the barrel.

Above:  Small arrows denote the last two digits of the serial number on the front site, extractor, 1st toggle, rear of the second toggle and the top of the thumb safety.

Right: Sometimes in examination people think the leaf site is bent.  However, when raising the site to the full 800 meter position reveals a 7° left movement.  This design compensates for the rifling on the 200 mm barrel which gives the bullet a twist in flight and if properly adjusted will permit a corrected point of impact.  Another example of Luger engineering. This was designed as a precision weapon and with the extended barrel and 800m rear sight make it formidable.

This is a very difficult to obtain, full rig dated DWM 1917 in excellent condition with all the basic Imperial proofs and all the accouterments.  Included with the gun is a double magazine pouch with the 2nd & 3rd   magazines, an Imperial proofed matching stock and full leather accessories including the cleaning rod,  and proofed loading tool.  This is as good as it gets. The Artillery Rig is offered for $6,895.00 over-the-counter.  This piece of history is complete and offered  to the collector seeking the best. Layaway available, see below.   Questions to: josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com C This gun is subject to sale in store and not guaranteed to be available at auction or on the web.  Call first for availability.