1908 Bulgarian
 

ALL..... I HAVE A 1908 BULGARIAN ( ALL MATCHING INCLUDING MAG, ORIGINAL BLUE ) THAT HAS A PROOF ON THE RH RECIEVER THAT I DO NOT RECOGNIZE. ANY HELP FROM ANYONE ? THANKS BUNCHES !!

myky@ctesc.net

Nice! Could you show side pics??? I don't think I've ever seen the lanyard loop at the bottom of the grip frame...

Postino,

Only the Bulgarian contract Lugers had the lower grip placment of the lanyard loop if memory serves me correctly. Consequently no stock lug on these pistols.

myky,

Please don't type in all CAPS.

Mike,
Nice looking Bulgarian!!! The Crown/GP is a British (London) proof. According to one reference I have, its use dates clear back to black powder days, since 1637. Evidently it spent some time in the land of tea and crumpets (seems a bit odd that it would have that particular proof).

Hi guys:

I have attached some photos of my 1908 Bulgarian. This gun appears to have been through hell and back. I am sure it has action in multiple wars, and has been refinished at least once. There is no remaining straw and the DWM on the chamber was removed at some point. The grips are mismatched replacements, but otherwise all parts are matching except the magazine. The lanyard on the previous gun seems to be welded to the frame whereas mine swivels. I don't see the proof mark that was previously inquired about, but it may have been removed during a re-work.

I found this gun in West Virginia while my father was undergoing bypass surgery. I had some pretty tense hours of time to kill, so I purchased a free-ad publication in the hospital gift shop. This gun was advertised and I bought it. I consider it my dad's good luck charm. Even thought the gun is rough, I figured it may be a while before I come across another one in any condition.

Thanks for looking.

Doug

Hey Doug, Nice find. The corrosion on your ejector tells me that it might be the most likely part to fail if you shoot this gun. you might want to source a replacement ejector for shooting purposes.

1908 Bulgarian
 

Ron..... you are the dean of the Luger Forum ! You always have the right answers..... Maybe it was captured in WW1 by the British ??? And I need to apolgize to Super Moderator John Sabato for YELLING...... sorry John......... : )

myky

1908 Bulgarian
 

Sorry John .......... for yelling........ : ) Didn't mean to scare you....... : )

Myky......

The majority of these pistols were purchased from the Bulgarian government by Interarms, who had a warehouse in Manchester, UK. That might explain the British proof mark.

The guns that were in the worst condition were purchased by Erma in Germany, who appearantly lost quite a bit of money on the deal, because of the extensive reworking needed to create guns that were functional and safe to shoot.

Mike,
Beautiful 08 Bulgarian. Most of them are well used and mismatched. Yours must have been liberated very early.

1908 Bulgarian
 

Vlim...... thanks so much for the info ! I'm putting all the help like this with the gun so it's history will travel with it wherever it may go.

Myky

1908 Bulgarian
 

If only it could talk...... maybe it was pulled aside by an inspector in England because of it's condition...... who knows ? I have never seen one with the matching, original, mag. Even to the small case letter " C"

Myky

Just being picky Mike, but, contrary to the German lower case suffixes, these second contract Bulgarian Lugers had an upper case "C" suffix. Just another unique feature of this really out of the ordinary Luger variation. I thought I had a nice 2nd contract Bulgarian (273C) but yours blows it out of the water. I would really like to see more photos of the whole gun.

1908 Bulgarian
 

RON..... I'M YELLING...... : ) My friend, let me know what angles and shots of the Bulgarian you need....... I'll try to get the best I can.... After 50 years of Luger collecting, and sifting through the " arm chair experts " you are still the " DEAN " of Lugers ! I admire your expertise and opinion.

myky.....

Very nice!
But I think mine is prettier. :)
http://forum.lugerforum.com/showpost...01&postcount=1

Best wishes to your Dad's speedy recovery!

The condition is better, for sure.:)
Alf.

myky, I keep telling Ron, he has a doctorate in Lugerology!

1908 Bulgarian
 

I agree most whole heartedly ! He is one of the best ! No BS, just straight truth. ( Ron, are you going to Tulsa in April ? I've some items I'd like to show you...... )

Dem besten danke !! Tschuess !!

myky

1908 Bulgarian
 

Are you sure you scanned the right Luger ? : )
( Just kiddin' )

myky........

myky, I was comparing with Doug's Luger. :thumbup:.

Alf.