Interarms Mauser P-08 Parabellum
 

I finally realized resistance was futile, so I purchased a Mauser P-08 imported by Interarms. The serial number is 120XX. Can anyone tell me when these were made/imported. I can clearly remember seeing the ads, I just can't remember the when of it. Although the take-down latch needs to be polished, the rest of the pistol is like new. The box has seen better days, but at least it's all there. Any information would be appreciated.

Will someone please explain why these are called P.08s when they have the grip safety of the P.06?

I believe the correct term for these pistols is "Mauser Parabellum". Certain models of the mauser Parabellum were calle "P08" by Mauser.

Runningiron, the best place to obtain information about these guns is to buy a copy of Francis Allen's book "THE MAUSER PARABELLUM". The price and address has been posted in the "for sale" section of the Forum.

Having been the US importer of parts for the Mauser Parabellum a couple of times (Between Interarms, Percision Arms & Navy Arms), Mauser's official designation of the Swiss Model (straight front grip strap) was the 06/70, although my earliest numbered one had a test target dated Dec 1969, and the redesigned PO8 model, the 06/73. Tom H.

I have a question for runningiron. Actually the commercial production of Mauser Parabellum has the serial number in the range 10.00xxxx for the .30 luger and 11.00xxxx for the caliber 9mm. So, maybe, the serial number of runningiron's Parabellum is not complete.
Concerning the name, the model Swiss like are named 29/70 and the model with grip safety 06/73. The second number (70 and 73) is the year in which that model was made.
The P08 Mauser parabellum is very hard to find. Only 250 commemorative and a few number of commercial in 30 luger and 9mm. To call the model 06/73 as P08 is not correct.
Ciao

mauro, the serial number is 11.120XX. In the original post, I just used the number off the box. Didn't notice untill later the 11. prefix on the pistol. The box has P-08 "ink stamped" in a couple of places. The pistol is definitely not the straight gripped Swiss model. Although it has the grip shape of the P-08, it also has a grip safety, so I guess it's not really a P-08, either. It is a nice looking pistol, though. Are you saying I found something special?

As an aside, I was looking at the BATF list of C&R firearms. The Interarms/Mauser Swiss model and three commorative "P-08" are listed, but apparently not the one I have. Any comments.

Runningiron,

Last time I looked, the non-Swiss standard models (P-08) were not classified as C & R's by BATF.

The 06/73 was more or less intended as a 1906 Commercial look alike. The general public took to calling it a P08. There was a P08 commemerative limited edition of 250 without the grip safety.

The 06/73 is not rare. The serial number you quote is very odd though. The regular production 9 mm pistols started at 11.0001001. I am baffled as to how we get from there to 11.120XX. The pre-production pistols for developement and the trade shows had shorter numbers but only a handful were made.

The commemerative pistols had their own special serial numbers.

This thread is extremely interesting, but a bit confusing. My Interarms Luger is a 9 mm. with 4" barrel and grip safety, serial 11.008527. So what have I got?

Oops! I slipped a digit. The serial numbers started at 11.001001

According to Francis Allen, in his excellent book "The Mauser Parabellum", The number to the left of the decimal indicates caliber (10 = 30 cal, 11 = 9mm) and the numbers to the right indicates the number of the pistol. Thus, 11.001001 indicates the 1001 pistol in 9mm.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

I should have started this thread in the New Member forum. I didn't even notice it when I posted the original question. I hope it's not a major faux pas.
You are right about the serial number. Apparently I can't read or type. The number is 11.0120XX. I appreciate the information and feedback.
My next question has to do with the grip panels. I did a search on the forum and found others who thought (as I do) that the grips were too boxy and rough on the hand. Is my only option to send them to someone like Hugh who can sand them down and rechecker them? Can standard P-08 grips be adapted to fit?

Runningiron,

You posted your question in the correct forum... some new members are a little reluctant to post technical questions in a specific forum category so we created a special forum just for them...

If a question is real specific, on some occassions I will move them to the appropriate forum if warranted...

My personal suggestion on your grips, is to keep the originals in case you decide to sell the pistol at some future time and the original unmodified grips might be important to that prospective buyer... get yourself some replacement grips... Hugh Clark or Tom Heller would be good sources and customize them to your hearts content...

a belated Welcome to the lugerforum to you...

Runningiron,
I do not think original P08 grips will work on the new Mauser frame. The contour of the originals by the grip screw is curved while on the Mauser the cut is straight. The curve on the heel of the grip could be sanded straight, but the curve on the toe of the grip does not have enough wood to extend far enough down in staight line to make a full Mauser grip. Part of the frame would be exposed. I do not have a new Mauser to verify this observation, so I could be wrong.

Runningiron, your lost zero turned up in my first post on serial numbers in this thread. You are welcome to have it back.

As for grips, I happen to have some Interarms Parabellum grips and frames in hand as well as some vintage grips and frames. I'll take a look tonight and report back on whoose what.

Most of the Interarms Parabellums have a safety grip, which means cutting some wood out of the inside of a standard vintage type grip if nothing else.

Part of the reason for the thick corners on the first Swiss style grips was to make room in the wood for metal positioning pins inside the front edge. This would limit how far they can be taken down. At least some later P08 style grips for the 06/73 model do not have these pins. They are also thinner.

Tried swapping German style grips between a vintage Luger (DWM) and an Interarms Parabellum with German style grips. No way they are going to interchange in this life.

I cannot speak for the Swiss style as I do not have a vintage Swiss Luger to try it on.

Bad news folks, I recently sold the last of my Mauser Parabellum grips to another forum member, so to my knowledge, there is no one else in the US who has a supply of new one. With Hugh Clark's talent, perhaps he can make some from scratch. If I can find any more in Europe, I'll keep the Forum posted. Tom H.

When Mauser sold all tool to produce the Parabellum, the armoury of Mr. Haslberger bought the last pistol w/ spare part. It is possible to order original spare part at the following internet address:

http://www.waffen-haslberger.de/

Ciao

Thanks to all for you responses. I appreciate the effort you've made to help a neophyte. It appears I'll just have to wait for another set of grips, though. I went to the waffen-haslberger site, but, per his web page, the grips he has will only fit the 06/70 and 06/29 models. From what you've told me and the fact that there is a very small 73 on the frame above the take-down bold, it appears that I have a model 06/73. Maybe now would be a good time to get out my woodworking tools and try to make a set. If I could get a pair of scales inletted to the frame, then perhaps I could send them off for final shaping and checkering. I probably can't do it, but it's a thought. Again, many thanks.

Rod Howsley aka runningiron

Hello All,
I too am succumbing to the desire to own one of these late model Lugers. Have entered into a purchase to buy a P 08 frame in 30 luger w/6" barrel. Unfired w/box and all accessories for $700.

My question is: what do you fellows think the long term appreciation will be for these guns over the next 10-20 years ? What did they cost new ?

Thanks for your response !!