1917 Maxwell Artillery

This is a 1914 Model, chamber dated 1917 DWM 8" (200mm) artillery model with the 800 meter adjustable rear sight mounted on the barrel. 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. (814)

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This 1917 Artillery Rig is attributed to Major General Sir Aymer Maxwell of the Scots Guards. General Maxwell (1891-1971) was Commander of the Royal Artillery 4th Indian Division North Africa from 1940-1941 and in 1942 Major-General Artillery Middle East. He retired in 1944.

This is the classic WWI artillery model with the 9 position adjustable rear sight and the front adjustable sight. Designed as a carbine for the Navy it was adopted by the Army to support the machine gun and artillery crews. The "official" years of production were from 1914-1918 although rare models dated 1913 have appeared indicating that production was underway before the official date.

The front site is dovetailed with the then standard sight blade. Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The serial number has a "g" suffix which places it in the middle military artillery production in 1917. This Luger has all matching numbers. The barrel is numbered and scored and matches the frame.

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 the Luger's engineering.

The frame has the stock lug and the thumb safety. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen". The safe position is down (when the sear bar lever is up). The barrel is numbered and proofed to the weapon. The gun has all matching serial numbers and the magazine is matching.

The stock is a C96 "Mauser" type in which the gun can be carried. The stock lug is not numbered to the gun but the stock is not an "original" (this was obviously custom made for the gun) and attached to an actual artillery stock "iron". From General Maxwell's military history we know he served in WWI and so undoubtedly had a chance to bring back a battlefield trophy.

The inside of the gun shows very good care for a 90+ year old gun. The condition of the gun is very good and barrel is well defined.


	Note the cartouche of Champion & Wilton saddle maker in London

At the time the mounted sheath was created it appears that Sir Maxwell was a Brigadier.
	The Scots Guards have over three hundred and sixty years of unbroken service to the crown. They can trace their origins back to an army that was raised by Archibald 1^st Marquess of Argyll, 16 March 1642. Since this date the Regiment has served in nearly every campaign in which the British Army has been involved in. In 1686 they were brought onto the establishment of the English Army for the first time. Eight years later they took precedence within the Foot Guards, despite their seniority by length of service. The Regiment has fought in the following wars and campaigns: English Civil War, Marlborough’s Wars, The War of the Austrian Succession, The Seven Years War, The Wars of The French Revolution, The Peninsular Campaign, Waterloo, Crimean War, Egyptian Campaign, South African War, 1899-1902, First & Second World Wars, 1^st Malayan Emergency, 1948-52, Suez Canal Zone, Malaya, 1964-66, Northern Ireland, Gulf War 1991, Falkland Islands, 1982 and Iraq 2005.

This Parabellum has all matching numbers and the magazine matches also (right).
The history of this gun must be surmised from the proofs. The WWI Parabellum were Imperial proofed with the Crown over the Inspectors initials along with Imperial heraldic proofs on the right side of the receiver.

In addition to the all matching Luger the custom stock comes with two sheaths; one the customary Sam Browne for wear on the uniform and other the sheath for mounted use. An extraordinary ensemble of weapon and leather for a known historical figure. A treasure for the collector.



A very unique system to uncover the gun to bring it into action. The back cover comes off and swings out of the way and the Sam Browne holster permits the stock to open and the Parabellum withdrawn.

Sir Aymer Maxwell (1891-1971) of Kircudbrightshire joined the Royal Artillery in 1911 and served in WWI from 1914-1918. He was then an instructor in the Gunnery School of Artillery 1930-1933 and then served in the Middle East from1939-1944 when he retired. A very colorful career then capped by being the Chairman, British Legion, Scotland 1954-1958, and a Member of of the Queen's Royal Bodyguard for Scotland (the Royal Company of Archers). Right: Crest of the Scots Guards (further depicted on the stock).

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. We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria. You can obtain this Luger with a C&R License or we can ship it to your neighborhood FFL Dealer.

This is a chance for the collector to have one of the most prestigious acquisitions, an all matching 1917 dated artillery Luger with a custom stock inlaid with a Royal Medallion a Sam Browne holster and mounted holster that is embossed with his name to display or enjoy to it's fullest capabilities. Questions to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com