[Maestro]

Wow!

Rare World War I German DWM Model 1914 Artillery Luger Pistol with Extremely Rare Detachable Front and Rear "Radium" Night Sights with a Matching Magazine

est. $8,500-$13,000!!

Description: This is an excellent example of a WWI DWM Artillery Luger pistol dated 1917, that has been fitted with an ultra rare set of original WWI prototype "radium" clip-on night sights. These sights were intended to allow the soldier to engage targets at night and have been seen on various configurations of GEW rifles. The unique aspect of this example is that it has the complete detachable "rear sight" which is usually missing. A similar set of sights is pictured on page 254 of the book "Luger Holsters and Accessories" by Bender. The front sight is secured to the barrel by a small band that fits around the barrel, which contains a small circular vial of Radium (which has depleted over the years). The rear sight aperture is made up of two sheet metal stampings that also contain some kind of luminous material that is seen through a small slit, mounted on each side of the rear sight aperture. This rear sight attachment is held on by two small locking screws, that engage the rear sight. The Luger is a standard DWM 1914 Artillery Model (dated 1917) that has the "DWM" monogram on the front toggle. The right side of the barrel extension has the "Crown/Gothic letter" military acceptance proofs next to the "Imperial Eagle" firing proof. These same proofs are also on the side and underside of the barrel. It has the full serial number "8931h" on the front of the frame with "8913" on the barrel and barrel extension and the last two digits "31" numbered on the various small parts. It has the standard extractor and safety markings with the correct artillery style tangent rear sight graduated from 1-8 (100-800) meters. The Luger is complete with one matching nickel plated magazine with a wooden base marked "8913/h".
Condition: Excellent with 97% of the original blue finish overall with minor high spot wear. The various small parts retain 60% of their original straw colors mostly in the protected areas. The grips are also in excellent condition with distinct checkering on both sides. Mechanically excellent. It has matching numbers on the various parts to include the magazine as noted. Sights are excellent.