DWM 1918 Artillery Luger
 

Hello folks. Thank you very much for approving my registration.
I've been collecting milsurps for a long time, but have never collected Lugers. I have the opportunity to purchase a DWM 1918 all matching, 80-85% original finish, slight bore frosting Artillery Luger with two original holsters for $1850.00 OTD. The original mag wooden base' number is no longer legible, so I don't know if it's matching to the pistol or not. Is this a decent/acceptable price for this package? No wooden stock, no bore rod or tool.
Just pistol and two holsters. I appreciate your assistance here and thank you again. It's a pleasure top learn from the experts.
Best regards, Thomas

Without pictures of all, I can only say it sounds like a good deal if truly original and matching!

If you can mention the year date, mfg., serial number, markings on holsters, and other info it would help; but pictures tell the tale.

Thank you very much sir. The manufacture is DWM, year produced is 1918, serial number is 2294. Trying to upload pics but having difficulty.

1918 DWM Artillery Luger
 

Hopefully the pic uploaded. If not I apologize

Welcome to the forum Tommy,

This pic is a start... For the gun, close-ups of proofs, full view of each side, top, bottom, rear, front of frame. For example, the chances of a cursive letter suffix, which would be part of the complete serial number and found along with the 4 numbers stamped on the nose of the grip frame under the bbl, are 26 to 1. The rear sight assembly should also have 2-digit numbers in several places. We'd need to see all this sort of stuff, plus enough other close-ups for a cursory assessment of its finish.

Same with the holsters--inside, outside in most orientations, and close-ups of maker's marks, which can sometimes be faint.

The mag is incorrect for a WWI Artillery, but is collectible in its own right. So, you guessed it--pics!

The military holster on the left has some damage, but likely original (at this point). The commercial holster looks interesting, although wrinkly flap.

Pics are best taken outside in the shade or on a cloudy day. Make sure they're in focus, and if a tripod and self timer are used, no blurring from camera motion when taking the shots. Crp shots "in the camera" so you don't wind up with a lot of digital trimming later, which wastes resolution.

Thank you ithacaartist for the valuable information. Unfortunately, I won't have that opportunity from the owner to take those pics specifically. I have confirmed it is in fact all matching and came by way of a deceased older gentleman who collected various small arms over the last 50 years. If I purchase for the price of $1850.00 OTD I can gladly take those pics you ask sir. I just want to verify the price is acceptable based on what I've provided. Thank you again.

It's a good price for an all matching 1918 LP08.

Yes,
I'd buy it for that in a heart beat!

Yes, +1 on that, particularly since we know more details of its available provenance. A rule of thumb proposed by one of the Mighty Moderators here (You know who you are, Ed.) is that any functional Arty is worth at least $1k. This is all matching, and with the 2 holsters and the pricey mag, you won't go wrong at that price!

There is an 11 to 1 chance of a serial number suffix as the 1918 LP08 only went to the J suffix. Did I miss something on the magazine? Description and pic seems to indicate a nickel body and "worn" wood bottom, correct for a WWI P08 (LP08) and not rare or unusual. Regardless if as described you can't go wrong at that price.

Thank you RichSr for your info. Does the serial number suffix make it more valuable?

Ricci1165, welcome to the forum. Jump on that rig; don't let it get away! You've got a good deal on a nice artillery. :cheers:

Take a few minutes to read the FAQ section as it contains a wealth of basic Luger info that will rapidly increase your knowledge.

Thank you Eugen! I'm going today after work to get it. I'll post more detailed pics and specifics when obtained. Thank you all for the advise not to let this one pass!

I wondered if the sequence of serialization would screw up my estimation of the odds like that!

Sorry about my comment on the mag. I didn't look closely enough at it to avoid imagining I was seeing a rivet holding the bottom on, or completely missing its obvious retaining pin thru the body in the bargain. (Maybe it's my glasses...) Still a heck of a deal, nonetheless!

Drum roll please.....
 

Ok fellas.....here she is! How'd I do?

Trying to post pics.....
 

Test

Pics
 

More to come

All matching
 

More on the way

Lets try two
 

Hope it worked

Two more
 

More on next page......

Two more
 

two more

That's it fellas.....
 

I disassembled and internally all matching.
So I received the one military holster, one commercial holster and a complete repro set with stock.......got it for $1,800.00 OTD.

I thought it was a 1918....sorry fellas. 1917....

I think you done well. The magazine was in question, get some close-ups of the bottom if you can.
Thanks and congratulations, you own an unmolested piece of history.
dju

Looks good, great buy.
A 1918 would have been a little better, fewer were made- but the 1917 is nice.

Thanks to you all for your help. I'll get some pics of the mag bottom and post later. What an exquisite
piece of history! Such intricate metallurgy. As a retired USCG Merchant Marine Chief Engineer, I appreciate the fit and finish from a time in history we'll never see again......have a good night fellas!

Folks, the bottom of the mag has two small brass repairs. Dissapointed but for $1850.00 OTD I wont complain. Pics to post soon.

Bummed.....
 

Oh well......what are the chances of locating a correct mag base?

Don't be disappointed about those mag. repairs. My guess is that they are an original field repair. I've seen the same thing on M1 Garand forearms. It's just part of the personality of the gun.
You can find original magazines but unlikely you'll find the correct number. So no better than you've already got.
Also, consider contacting our "Lugerholsterrepair" guy about your holsters. He's forgotten more than I'll ever know...
dju

Thank you DavidJayUden. I appreciate your help. It does look like a an original field repair as some my mausers and others share similar brass repairs. I will contact "Lugerholsterrepair" for info on those two holsters I also received in the package. Thank you sir.

I doubt it is a period "field" repair; magazines were expendable and would not have been repaired in the "field". Maybe the base replaced at some low unit level with a new one- but not by two pins and drilling holes in the tube. JMHO.

You really can't restore that magazine, if it works - use it or what ever. An original base is quite expensive, and the tube has been modified already.

If you want a typical , unmodified mag for display - there are plenty for sale.
If you want one for shooting, use that one, or buy a mec-gar new mag or two.

Still a very good deal.

Thank you Don. I will not be shooting this recent acquisition. I will however, take your advise and locate an original, unmodified mag for display, although it won't match, it'll be period correct.

From what I can see in your photos, I think that you did just fine on that transaction. Welcome to the Luger "addiction"!! Now you have ONE......there may well be others!! Many of us on this forum fully understand the Luger addiction.

Folks,
I collect many military surplus. 1911's, 1911a1's, P38's, P1's, European, Japanese but have NEVER owned a Luger until yesterday.......I'm already searching for more.

Be careful in looking for lugers- they are "everywhere"!:evilgrin: