DWM commercial Luger P08 pistol chambered in .30 Luger. This example has a Crown N proof marking on the left side of the receiver and a blank chamber. The frame is marked “Germany,” indicating it was exported from Germany back in the 1920s-30s, and the pistol is non-import marked. The pistol is all matching by serial number, with the magazine not matching. It retains the majority of its original blued finish along with straw finish on the small parts. Mechanically, it is excellent, with a bright bore and strong rifling. A clean DWM commercial P08 with desirable matching serialized components, export marking, original finish remaining, and strong mechanical condition.
Designed by Georg Luger and built in volume by Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), the Luger P08 is one of the most recognizable German pistols of the World War I and World War II eras. Its distinctive toggle-lock action, raked grip angle, and finely machined components set it apart from nearly every other service handgun of the period. Commercial examples such as this one were produced for the civilian and export trade rather than under military contract, and were typically chambered in .30 Luger (7.65mm Parabellum) and proofed with the German commercial Crown N nitro mark instead of military acceptance stamps. Pistols built for sale abroad were roll-stamped “Germany” to meet importing-country country-of-origin requirements, a practice common throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Surviving commercial DWM Lugers remain among the most sought-after pieces in the German surplus and collectible handgun field. On this pistol the matching serialized components, intact “Germany” export marking, retained original bluing with straw-fired small parts, and excellent mechanical condition combine to make a desirable, honest example. It will appeal to the Luger and German militaria collector looking for a correct commercial P08, as well as to the shooter who appreciates an original 7.65mm Luger that remains mechanically sound with a bright bore. As always, please review the photos as part of the condition description.
Specifications
Manufacturer: DWM
Country of origin: Germany
Model: Commercial Luger P08
Action: Semi-automatic
Caliber/Gauge: .30 Luger
Matching: All matching serial numbers; magazine not matching
Condition: Retaining majority of original bluing and straw finish on small parts
Bore: Bright bore with strong rifling
Features: Crown N marked on left side of receiver; blank chamber; “Germany” export mark on frame; non-import marked
Mechanical condition: Mechanically excellent
