How to identify P-08

Juris · 07-13-2021, 05:16 PM

Greetings - What is the best way to identify which sub-variant of the P-08 I have? All parts have matching serial numbers and it has never been refurbished. The gentleman who brought it back from WW-1 hid it in his pants as he departed the ship. Thanks for your help!

spangy · 07-13-2021, 05:19 PM

Your kidding right ??? No pictures, no description ?? .... I mean the guys here are good and you came to the right place but please help us help you.

What make is your Luger -
1. DWM

2. Erfurt

3. Mauser

4. Simson

5. Kreighoff Suhl

What length is your barrel ?
Does it have a date like this

Answer these questions and try to get pictures up and we go from there OK ??

cirelaw · 07-13-2021, 05:27 PM

Not Possible!!

Doubs · 07-13-2021, 06:31 PM

Welcome to the forum. This is the right place to ask your question BUT we need far more information in order to answer with any accuracy.

Clear, sharp pictures of the entire gun from different angles plus pictures of the markings and serial number on the front of the frame should allow us to answer your questions.

Otherwise, details of all marking and where they're located on the gun are needed along with barrel length and sight configuration.

Help us and we'll gladly help you.

Vlim · 07-14-2021, 04:25 AM

Try this as well:

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showpost...75&postcount=2

mrerick · 07-14-2021, 06:35 PM

You'll find the reference information in our FAQ document (Gerben posted the link above) to be quite useful.

There are many subtle things about Lugers, so posting well exposed, sharp pictures (taken in shaded natural light - not with flash) will help us help you.

Juris · 07-15-2021, 04:25 PM

Thank you for your feedback. Here are some pictures that I hope will be helpful. Thank you again!

lugerholsterrepair · 07-15-2021, 05:06 PM

There is no date over the chamber?

George Anderson · 07-15-2021, 05:17 PM

Judging by the acceptance stamps, it's either a 1917 or 1918 dated DWM.

Juris · 07-19-2021, 10:53 AM

Thank you for your feedback. The date has been filed off. Would that make the sale value, as I intend to sell it, significantly less? Thank you.

Vlim · 07-19-2021, 12:44 PM

Do you have a photo of that area?

lugerholsterrepair · 07-19-2021, 01:23 PM

Juris, Unfortunately with the date scrubbed it really does affect the value. From a collectable it drops it to a shooter.

Vlim · 07-19-2021, 01:37 PM

I agree it hurts the value. But I also wonder why anyone would want to remove the chamber date at all.

HerrKaiser · 07-19-2021, 03:22 PM

Then only semi-plausible idea I can come up with is that the pistol simply retained all its military proof markings in lieu of commercial nitro proofs as it was a cottage industry commercial rework post WW1? My post-war commercial's chamber has indications of a date having been scrubbed from it as it was reworked for commercial sale. But it was given nitro proofs and a commercial style SN.

Edward Tinker · 07-19-2021, 05:00 PM

I agree with Quinten - what caliber is it?
Do you see a Germany or made in Germany stamp anywhere?

lugerholsterrepair · 07-19-2021, 05:42 PM

From what I can see it's a straight military with the date scrubbed and no other indications of commercial sale so far? But as Ed says, caliber and Germany? This info would give some leads..There was a period in time in the USA where misinformation caused owners of Luger's to grind on them. Stock lugs for example. A photo of the ground area would be helpful. Re blued after grinding or no?

Pistol · 07-20-2021, 12:28 AM

Any numbers or stamps on the holster? Is there a date on the front? Can you provide a photo of the front of the loading tool and mag bottoms?

Juris · 07-20-2021, 03:13 PM

Here are additional photos. Breakdown tool with Symbol; Holster with number stamped; Holster with 5847 stamped; Clip with 5847 stamped; clips' rear view; top of gun date filed. Thank you all for your feedback! Patrick

mrerick · 07-20-2021, 03:42 PM

You have a shooter grade Luger Filing the date pretty much eliminates collector interest in your pistol. We get a lot of "what's it worth" posts, and many new owners are disappointed.

I really can't make out much detail from your photos. They are too small and some lack focus. I'll assume it's been refinished or left ground and unfinished.

In any case, you may expect $900-$1100 for it all. I would expect to see halos on the barrel gauge stamp so it's likely this pistol has been refinished.

The manipulation is unfortunate, since a unmolested original finish pistol like this with original accessories and matching magazines would go for well over $2500...

lugerholsterrepair · 07-20-2021, 06:39 PM

Bubba done filed off $1,500 worth of metal and bluing.

07-13-2021, 05:16 PM	#1
Juris User Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 9 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	How to identify P-08 Greetings - What is the best way to identify which sub-variant of the P-08 I have? All parts have matching serial numbers and it has never been refurbished. The gentleman who brought it back from WW-1 hid it in his pants as he departed the ship. Thanks for your help!

07-13-2021, 05:19 PM	#2
spangy Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 617 Thanks: 3,065 Thanked 1,057 Times in 429 Posts	Your kidding right ??? No pictures, no description ?? .... I mean the guys here are good and you came to the right place but please help us help you. What make is your Luger - 1. DWM 2. Erfurt 3. Mauser 4. Simson 5. Kreighoff Suhl What length is your barrel ? Does it have a date like this Answer these questions and try to get pictures up and we go from there OK ?? __________________ Whoever said that "money can't buy you happiness" never bought a Luger. WTB - Take Down Lever & Trigger Plate (#90) for an Imperial Artillery.

07-14-2021, 06:35 PM	#6
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	You'll find the reference information in our FAQ document (Gerben posted the link above) to be quite useful. There are many subtle things about Lugers, so posting well exposed, sharp pictures (taken in shaded natural light - not with flash) will help us help you. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

07-15-2021, 04:25 PM	#7
Juris User Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 9 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Identifying P-08 Thank you for your feedback. Here are some pictures that I hope will be helpful. Thank you again! Attached Thumbnails Attached Images

07-15-2021, 05:06 PM	#8
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,771 Thanks: 4,926 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	There is no date over the chamber? __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

07-13-2021, 05:27 PM	#3
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Not Possible!!

07-13-2021, 06:31 PM	#4
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,696 Thanks: 792 Thanked 1,679 Times in 552 Posts	Welcome to the forum. This is the right place to ask your question BUT we need far more information in order to answer with any accuracy. Clear, sharp pictures of the entire gun from different angles plus pictures of the markings and serial number on the front of the frame should allow us to answer your questions. Otherwise, details of all marking and where they're located on the gun are needed along with barrel length and sight configuration. Help us and we'll gladly help you.

07-14-2021, 04:25 AM	#5
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	Try this as well: http://forum.lugerforum.com/showpost...75&postcount=2

07-15-2021, 05:17 PM	#9
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,528 Times in 787 Posts	Judging by the acceptance stamps, it's either a 1917 or 1918 dated DWM.

07-19-2021, 10:53 AM	#10
Juris User Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 9 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Thank you for your feedback. The date has been filed off. Would that make the sale value, as I intend to sell it, significantly less? Thank you.

07-19-2021, 12:44 PM	#11
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	Do you have a photo of that area?

07-19-2021, 01:23 PM	#12
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,771 Thanks: 4,926 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	Juris, Unfortunately with the date scrubbed it really does affect the value. From a collectable it drops it to a shooter. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

07-19-2021, 01:37 PM	#13
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	I agree it hurts the value. But I also wonder why anyone would want to remove the chamber date at all.

07-19-2021, 03:22 PM	#14
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 845 Thanks: 782 Thanked 860 Times in 410 Posts	Then only semi-plausible idea I can come up with is that the pistol simply retained all its military proof markings in lieu of commercial nitro proofs as it was a cottage industry commercial rework post WW1? My post-war commercial's chamber has indications of a date having been scrubbed from it as it was reworked for commercial sale. But it was given nitro proofs and a commercial style SN. Attached Thumbnails __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

07-19-2021, 05:00 PM	#15
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,029 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	I agree with Quinten - what caliber is it? Do you see a Germany or made in Germany stamp anywhere? __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

07-19-2021, 05:42 PM	#16
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,771 Thanks: 4,926 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	From what I can see it's a straight military with the date scrubbed and no other indications of commercial sale so far? But as Ed says, caliber and Germany? This info would give some leads..There was a period in time in the USA where misinformation caused owners of Luger's to grind on them. Stock lugs for example. A photo of the ground area would be helpful. Re blued after grinding or no? __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

07-20-2021, 12:28 AM	#17
Pistol User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: TN Posts: 428 Thanks: 448 Thanked 220 Times in 99 Posts	Any numbers or stamps on the holster? Is there a date on the front? Can you provide a photo of the front of the loading tool and mag bottoms?

07-20-2021, 03:13 PM	#18
Juris User Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 9 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Here are additional photos. Breakdown tool with Symbol; Holster with number stamped; Holster with 5847 stamped; Clip with 5847 stamped; clips' rear view; top of gun date filed. Thank you all for your feedback! Patrick Attached Images

07-20-2021, 03:42 PM	#19
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	You have a shooter grade Luger Filing the date pretty much eliminates collector interest in your pistol. We get a lot of "what's it worth" posts, and many new owners are disappointed. I really can't make out much detail from your photos. They are too small and some lack focus. I'll assume it's been refinished or left ground and unfinished. In any case, you may expect $900-$1100 for it all. I would expect to see halos on the barrel gauge stamp so it's likely this pistol has been refinished. The manipulation is unfortunate, since a unmolested original finish pistol like this with original accessories and matching magazines would go for well over $2500... __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

07-20-2021, 06:39 PM	#20
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,771 Thanks: 4,926 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	Bubba done filed off $1,500 worth of metal and bluing. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."