Matching DWM P.08 “Luger” semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm (9×19mm) — a WWI-production Imperial pistol with documented Weimar-era police service. The chamber is dated 1918, and the pistol carries the postwar “1920” Reich property marking. It was subsequently retained and reworked for Weimar police service and is unit/property marked “S.Me.I.345.” on the front grip strap, identifying Schutzpolizei, Merseburg district, 1st unit/company, weapon number 345.( a cathedral town on the Saale River in central Germany (in the then-Prussian Province of Saxony, today Saxony-Anhalt, near Halle and Leipzig) that served as the seat of the Merseburg government district. )
The pistol retains a strong, period-appearing police/arsenal finish, with 92%+ of its blue finish remaining and honest edge and handling wear. It is mechanically excellent, with a tight lockup and a smooth action. All numbered components that were inspected, including the internal parts, are matching. The left grip panel is matching numbered; the right panel is unnumbered but exhibits consistent age and wear. The bore is bright and shiny with sharp rifling. No evidence was observed of the later police-added Schiwy sear safety. It is fitted with a nickel-finished magazine with an unmarked aluminum base.
The P.08 Luger, built by Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), is among the most iconic pistols ever made. The “1920” property mark identifies a pistol retained as German state property under the postwar arms regulations of the period, and the “S.Me.I.345.” grip-strap marking documents identifiable Merseburg Schutzpolizei issue — the kind of traceable Weimar police provenance sought after by Luger collectors. Overall, a very clean, mechanically excellent 1918 Imperial-production P.08 with documented postwar Reich retention, identifiable Merseburg police service, matching major and internal components, a tight, smooth action, and an excellent bore.
Specifications
Manufacturer: DWM (Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken)
Country of origin: Germany
Year: 1918 (chamber date); 1920 Reich property marking
Model: P.08 (Luger / Parabellum)
Action: Semi-automatic, toggle-lock
Caliber: 9mm (9×19mm)
Service/Provenance: Weimar-era police rework; Schutzpolizei, Merseburg
Matching: All inspected numbered components matching, including internal parts; left grip panel matching numbered; right panel unnumbered (consistent age/wear)
Condition: Mechanically excellent; tight lockup and smooth action
Finish: Period-appearing police/arsenal refinish; 92%+ blue remaining, with honest edge and handling wear
Bore: Bright and shiny, sharp rifling
Safety: No evidence of the later police-added Schiwy sear safety
Markings: Chamber “1918”; “1920” Reich property mark; front grip strap “S.Me.I.345.” (Schutzpolizei, Merseburg district, 1st unit/company, weapon no. 345)
Magazine: One nickel-finished magazine, unmarked aluminum base; nonmatching/replacement (base possibly sanded or markings removed)
