Mark,
This is a great story, and a very interesting Luger. The serial number makes it among the very earliest 1908 Commercials, the earliest I have in my database is sn 39142. It would be very nice to see pictures.
I am keeping a database of Commercial Lugers, would it be possible to know the full serial number, the caliber, and if the pistol has crown/B,U,G proofs?
If you don't want to release the serial number publicly, feel free to email me
dwightg@pacifier.com
Thanks, and congratulations on a very special Luger.
--Dwight