1917 Navy Imperial Luger

This is a 1917 DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken) Imperial Navy This piece is a 6 inch (150mm) barreled 9mm Parabellum with the Navy adjustable rear sight and matching Navy magazine. The DWM monogram markings appear on the 1st toggle link and the extractor is marked 'Geladen' (Loaded). This example has all matching serial numbers. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and when exposed (safety down) means safe. (1517)

This biggest battle between battleships ever was a tactical German victory, but it did not change the strategic situation for the Hochseeflotte: Locked up in the North Sea by a British blockade, the German ships were limited to operate in North and Baltic Sea only and could not support the few ships operating outside of Europe.


This Navy is the classic; complete with matching magazine. The finish shows honest wear and would be rated excellent for an Imperial Navy. This model has a hold open latch and stock lug..

Serial number placement is in the commercial ("hidden") style. The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the bottom of the locking bolt, on the trigger, on the bottom of the barrel, the side plate, the left side of the receiver, and under the first toggle. These are characteristic of the Navy.

The 1917 Navy has the thumb safety and a stock lug. This Luger has all matching numbers. There are many theories as to why the rings on the Navy magazines; 7.65 - vs. - 9mm, to separate the magazines for accountability. In any case it makes it easy to identify a Navy.


Navy Models were marked on the bottom of the side plate and locking lever as they did with the commercial models. Both the sear and safety stop are marked with the last two digits of the serial number.

The proofing on the "Navy Model" has always been distinctive with the Crown M for Imperial Marinen, the small date on the muzzle and side rail of the frame and the Crown acceptance proof.

In August 1904 the German Navy underwent testing of 5, 9mm Selbstladepistolem Model 1904 from DWM. The trial was successful and in September 1904 the Navy asked the Kriegsministerium to order 2,000 Model 1904 navy pistols as soon as possible. Thus began to first acceptance of the 'Luger' by the German military. The 1904 Navy incorporated the new coil mainspring, the new extractor with the loaded-chamber markings. These "improvements" were underway during the testing an acceptance of the navy model.

Battlecruisers (L - R) Derfflinger, Seydlitz and Von der Tann Enroute to Dogger Bank

GROßEN KRUEZERS

In the years before World War I Germany initiated a major fleet building program to enlarge its fleet - the Hochseeflotte - to a size nearly as powerful as the Royal Navy, the most powerful fleet in the world. Although the initial reason for creating this huge fleet was to protect German overseas trade, a lesson learned in several wars against Denmark in the 19th century, the key naval strategy in World War I was focused in one single decisive naval battle between the Hochseeflotte and the Royal Navy. It finally took place in 1916, the Battle of Jutland (or the Battle of Skagerak as it is called in Germany). A tactical win for Germany but the fleet remained blockaded in the North Sea for the balance of the war.


The first toggle link is marked with the DWM logo. There is the two-position (100-200m) sight on the rear toggle link and the last two digits of the serial number appear. This is a collector grade gun.

The Crown M proof on the barrel and other parts is the Marinen (Navy) proof of the Imperial Navy. The four digit serial number is an early 1917 model and you can see the matching serial number of the barrel, the front of the frame, the locking lever and Marinen proof on the magazine bottom.


The 1916 and 1917 Imperial Navy put the date on the site band and on the front left rail of the frame. No particular reason can be found for this practice but it is characteristic of all these models.

NOTICE

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See Görtz, The Navy Luger

See Kenyon Lugers at Random Page 156.

The inside of the gun is very and well cared for over the years. This gun is an exceptional Luger being in such fine shape and bearing all the correct proofs and markings to make it a text book "Navy". Above you can see the wide flange that was utilized on the post 1908 Navy Lugers.

The extractor is marked "Geladen" (Loaded) which not only can be seen but also felt by the shooter in the dark. The rear ramp site is two position for 100 meter and 200 meter sighting. The serial number is on both the short sear and the sear stop. In 1915 Luger shortened the sear so the gun could be cocked without releasing the safety.

The Imperial Navy is one of the rarest WWI guns that collectors seek. From 1904-1917 the German Navy bought the 6" (150mm) barreled Parabellums. Once the Imperial Fleet returned to port the Naval Divisions were deployed to the Western front to reinforce the Imperial Army. At the end of the war the Allied Commission created by the Treaty of Versailles banned Germany from weapons longer than 100mm. For the Imperial Navy's that weren't lost to war they were converted to the 100mm barrel length and the Weimar Navy began adopting the shorter barrel Luger. To find one of these in this minty condition is a treasure for the collector investor.

This excellent example of the 1917 Imperial Navy Luger and gives the collector a chance at a very minty hard to find WWI Navy with all the proofs and matching magazine. No import marks, just a beautiful WWI bring back. We reserve the right to withdraw any weapon without notice when sold at gun shows or over the internet. Any questions to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com. This Luger is offered for $7,275.00 to the WWI collector.