1914 DWM P.08 Luger 9mm
Luger.
The word conjures up all sorts of images. Villains, enemies, gangsters, Nazis...Unsavory characters of all ilk.
Yet for all of that, the United States very nearly adopted the pistol itself around 1907, chambered in the then new .45ACP cartridge, eventually loosing out to the equally legendary Colt 1911.
The Luger was initially designed in 1898 by Georg Luger, and adopted by the German Navy in 1904. In 1908, it was adopted by the German Army and became known as the P.08, or Pistole Parabellum, a Latin phrase loosely meaning "Who would have peace, let him prepare for war". This saying was also the slogan for DWM (Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken), the firm entrusted with its production.
Luger borrowed heavily from the earlier Borchardt C-93 pistol, incorporating its unique toggle action into his new pistol.
The toggle cams up and back, drawing the breach block rearward which simultaneously extracts and ejects the spent casing, and then chambers a new one on its return forward motion.
Rear grip strap showing thinning finish wear.
Mine is a nice, all original, numbers matching example of the type.
Bolt face and extractor.
It is in excellent shape, with just the slightest hints of oxidation, and bluing wear.
The number above the serial number indicated the barrel was forged from Austrian Böhler steel, still recognized today as some of the highest grade steel produced in the world.
Matching serial numbered grips.
96+ years, two World Wars, countless "collectors"... This poor old pistol has seen its fair share of history. I was happy to be its current caretaker.
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