[JCreasy]

I was just given a P-08 for my 44th BDay. I know the pistol has been in my stepfather's family since the early '80's when I first saw it. The back story is that a relative brought it back from WWII and gave it to my stepfather's father, who died young and gave it to him/his mother in the 60's... Now I have it.

I have, what I think, is a DWM that was made before the war and maybe given a second service life with the Nazi party, as possibly a "parade" gun or "full dress" gun.

It has the "DWM" inscription on the top of the pistol (forgive my terminology, I am a S&W revolver kinda guy). The serial number is 1297 and matches on all pieces... Smaller pieces only have the 97 on them.

The top of the barrel is stamped "1918" but my understanding is that simply indicates the year of the military contract it was produced under... Not the year of manufacture... Correct?

I've been reading and there are stamps all over the place on these things, but there are no eagle-swastika stamps on mine, that I can see at least. (I've not taken it apart). On the right side of the breach/body, are the 4 stamps I see attributed to the DWM pistols, but the front one was poorly impressed. It appears worn but is not because there is no wear on the metal there.

On the underside of the barrel is the serial number and underneath that, a script L. At the base of the barrel, where it flutes, is "8,84." It is a 4 inch barrel.

On the left side of the toggle mechanism (right behind the chamber indicator) is a stamp that I cannot make out. I'll have to find a magnifying glass and I'll keep looking on the internet.

So, all this tells me I am looking at a 20's to 30's pistol... I am wrong?

Here are the curious parts... To me at least.

I have two magazines, with wood pull handles (not metal). One is stamped on the bottom with the same pistol serial number, but is chipped. The second is stamped "142" so I do not think it was the original "second clip." I have a leather holster with a swastika stamped on the flap.

My best guess is that this an earlier pistol that was adopted into service as a showpiece or a "full dress" sidearm.

Can someone tell me what PICs to take to help out with this? (I can maybe send you a Starbuck's giftcard for your effort).

Also, my stepfather gave me a modern clip and told me to use that when shooting... Which prompts a few questions.

Should I keep the vintage clips unloaded?

Should I even shoot this pistol at all or will that devalue it? (I'd sure like to enjoy it a bit).

Does anyone know of a quality gunsmith here in Atlanta to put their eyes on this and check it out for functional integrity and maintenance?

It's kinda funny because I have coveted this pistol for about 30 years, played with toy versions in my youth, and I am now fortunate enough to have it. It is among my 5 or 6 prized possessions in life and I need some help understanding what I have and how I need to preserve it.

Thanks in advance,

JKC

PS and for what it is worth, I'd say condition is above average to very good. I'd qualify excellent at a museum piece (never fired) and this one looks like it was used (in the military) for about 2 to 3 years and responsibly stored for the balance of the time.