Help Identifying Naval P08
 

New to the forum and to Lugers. I have been trying to educate myself and I have what I believe is a 1914 pattern navy luger. Here is what know.
Manufactured: DWM
Grip Safety: None
Stock Lug: Present
Thumb Safety: Forward says Gesichert
Barrel Length: 6 inch
Rear Sight: 100/200 settings
Magazine: Not matching, has wood knob

All of the external numbers match. I have not dissassembled to verify the internals but knowing my Grandfather I would very surprised if they did not match as well.

I am interested any information on it and an idea about value.

Here are some pictures.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/...ps81af0d75.jpg

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7a405fdf.jpg

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/...psa5c1a838.jpg

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4854898a.jpg

Hi Jon, Welcome to the forum! Your Grandfather left you a very nice !908 Navy. It can be distinguished from the 1914 model by it's undated chamber and long frame. It's current value, assuming all parts are original, is about $5,000.00.
Regards, Norm

Wow!

Wow about sums it up...
Very nice Luger.
Did you get an holster or other stuff with it?
dju

Sorry, have to add another wow! Welcome to the forum, Jon. It must be interesting to come struttin' in with something this nice.:) Grandfather knew his hardware, by the looks of it. If your pistol checks out, you have an exquisite collectible! But, ahem, it may be too late...I guess we'll know soon as you start looking for a shooter...Lugers are the potato chip gun.

Thanks for the info and the quick responses. For now there is no holster but I would not be surprised to find it latter. Would it be taboo to fire this gun? It appears in complete working order. I did field strip it and clean it. The numbers that I could see inside also matched. :)

Hi Jon, If you're cool with losing half this gun's value if a numbered part breaks, sure, go ahead and shoot it.
Norm

I'm usually on the fence regarding shooting the old Lugers, but this is one that I would vote, with great resolve, to not shoot. It is just too nice and rare.
Go out and buy a shooter for $800, shoot the heck out of it, and sell it when you are done with it for $900.
dju

Understood, and thanks :thumbup:

The only thing I would add Jon, is that when you get the urge to check numbers Be extremely careful about removing the left grip. It is very easy to chip off the wood right behind the safety lever and on this gun that would be a disaster. Best to remove only the right grip and then look through the mag well to see the number on the right grip--if there is one.

I won't say wow, but how about just standing here and drooling.

Gary

That is a true drool Luger!! Oh, to have that beauty in my safe. I am a shooter, but I would not shoot that one.

Thanks, I did field strip it and the numbers I could easily check matched.

Agreed, It is safely in the safe and will stay there. My Grand dad had one other that I will post to P08 section that I beleive will be a shooter.

To all thanks for the information and quick replies. I have been around fire arms all my life but was more interested in shooting than collecting. That might have just changed. :eek:

Amen to that my brother. :)

I'll throw in my two cents on this one too Jon, that Navy is a collectors dream, keep it safe and welcome to the forum. :cheers:

Lon

this seeler has nice one but very hi price. maybe the unit marks rises price?

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...ducts_id=29353

Ben, Simpson's is a retail business, and the price you see on that listing reflects a retail price (including their overhead, profit, authentication, support and original acquisition cost.

The Navy in the post is in phenomenal condition, which is quite unusual as Navy Lugers were often exposed to corrosive conditions since they served on the sea and in the seaports.

Good decision not to shoot this one. They really do break. You'll find post shooting damage postings here and on the other collector forums. It would really be a shame to damage this one.

As you care for it, ensure that you keep it in low humidity conditions and away from things like leather holsters (which can lead to finish deterioration).

Your Grandfather has given you some amazing collectable Lugers. We are the caretakers of history.

I think Jon's is nicer than this one.

Nice pistol. I'm envious. It'll be real nice if you find a period holster laying around in Grandpa's pile.