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SCARCE REICHSMARINE MARKED DWM P.08 CONVERSION

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 2,000.00 USD
SCARCE REICHSMARINE MARKED DWM P.08 CONVERSION
SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH HOLSTER. Cal. 9x19mm Parabellum. S# 7738a. Bbl. 4". For a similar example, see pages 921-923 of "The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols" by Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess and Joachim Gortz. Originally mfg. as a standard configuration P.04 Navy Luger, this example was utilized by the German World War I Kreigsmarine, then retained and reworked into a P.08 configuration by the Reichsmarine during the Weimar era and was then utilized by the Kriegsmarine during the 1930s. Modifcations of P.04 pistols (such as this example) include shortening and recrowning of the bbl. to 5", modification of the frame for the P.08 slanted style (New Model) safety bar via the addition of a guide pin (seen on the exterior on the left frame flat), as well as the removal of the grip safety. Additionally, this example was previously converted during the Imperial era to feature a down-safe safety mechanism. At this time, the original safety marking was scrubbed, with a new "Gesichert" marking added in the upper position. Toggle is marked with the intertwined "DWM" monogram, with Naval Crown and Crown/M inspection proofs present on the bbl., bbl. extension, and the breechblock. Rear grip strap exhibits a 1930's era "N/ 1818" Kriegsmarine Nordsee marking. Frame, bbl., bbl. extension, as well as the toggle train, exhibit what appears to be a period (possibly arsenal) reapplied blue finish, with the takedown lever, trigger, safety lever, and ejector exhibiting a straw finish. Sideplate exhibits a non-matching reapplied blue finish. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Pistol retains its original "1917" dated front sight block and blade, as well as its original tangent rear sight. Matching numbers are present on the frame, takedown lever, sideplate, trigger, safety bar, bbl., bbl. extension, breechblock, and toggles, with remaining components being unnumbered. MAGS: one 8-rd. mag. numbered "6851" and stamped with a Crown/M Naval proof. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: converted LP.08 pistol holster marked with a Crown/I (leather rationing mark of the 1st Bavarian Army Korps) above "C.HOLSTE&CO/ MUNCHEN/ 1918" on the rear. Holster contains an Eagle/655-proofed loading tool as well as an original cleaning rod. CONDITION: metal components retain the majority of their period rust blue finish, exhibiting some mild wear and thinning (primarily on the rear grip strap, sideplate, and high edges), with scattered spots/areas of pitting present beneath the finish overall. Strawed components exhibit varying degrees of wear, with scattered spots of pitting and age-related discoloration overall. Bright bore, exhibiting mild to moderate oxidation (primarily in the grooves), while retaining well-defined rifling throughout. Grips show some smoothing, as well as some scattered marks and minor impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise are very good overall. Holster remains malleable, exhibiting some wear, with areas of age-related cracking and crazing present overall. A very scarce and unusual Luger variation, utilized by the Pre-War Kriegsmarine, Reichswehr, and World War II-era Kriegsmarine. PROVENANCE: from the lifelong collection of Jim Williams. (24-2693/MLW). CURIO. $1,200-2,000.