This is a 1934-36 Persian Contract gun manufactured by Mauser for the Shah of Iran. This piece is a 4 inch (100mm) 9mm Parabellum which by serial number places it in the 2nd lot of pistols to leave Mauser in June 1936 for the Persian Military Contract.

This is a standard 1908 Model gun designated by collectors as a 1934 Mauser Contract Luger.

The first toggle link is marked with the Farsi script stating Mauser, and there is the "V" rear sight on the rear toggle link and the last two digits of the serial number appear in Farsi.

Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") 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 receiver lug, on the left side of the breech block.

The thumb safety is new style, and blued.

The most recent Shah of Iran, the last of the Pahlavi Dynasty, ruled from 1925 until the abdication in 1979. This family attempted to modernize the nation and Germany, emerging from the WWI and the great depression was an emerging power house in the world. The influence and technology of the Germans were sought and as the Persians aligned themselves with the Germans.

On the Left of the Receiver is the Crown U, Mauser Oberndorf Proof. 

All the Serial Numbers are in Farsi throughout the gun. It appears to be completely matching to the best of our understanding of Farsi.

The Persian Coat of Arms is represented by a Lion with the Sun rising over his back, the right paw is holding a Sword,  the left paw a banner, all under a crown.

The Serial #1085,  is proceeded by the Oberndorf proof and a inspectors proof in  Farsi . Then the last two numbers of the serial on the side plate and take down lever.

Originally the Islamic countries operated from a lunar calendar begun with the flight of Mohamed from Mecca to Medina in 622. Persia in an effort to modernize adopted the solar calendar (365 days/yr) in the 1920 but adopted the flight of Mohamed as year one.  Therefore, it is believed, that the inscription in Farsi on the right of the receiver reads 1314 but one must add 621 (yrs) to that number to achieve the Model 1935.

Located on the right of the receiver is the Farsi inscription "1314-model short Parabellum pistol". This is commonly interpreted to read Pistol Model 1314 (1935).

Adjacent to that is the Crown Property mark.

Left side of this weapon is in fine shape while the right side shows evidence of improper storage with some pitting and discoloration of the finish. There is not the usual holster wear as these areas are unworn.

The bore is good and the action is tight indicating it has not been fired many times.

There is some question about the total number of Lugers in this contract.  Some quote 2000, other state that there were 2000 (@) 100mm and 980 (@) 200mm barrels. Somewhere in the sequential serial numbers for the "Artillery" models is the gap created by Siamese guns.

In any case this is a very rare model in the US.

The magazine is unmarked and exceptionally clean.  Commercial magazines were usually sold unnumbered.

The grips are in excellent shape. The grips are fine checkered walnut and match the gun.

See Kenyon Lugers at Random Page 268

Walter, Page 204

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This is a seldom seen Luger variation and an extraordinarily sought after piece for the Mauser collector.