Historic NZ 1918 DWM

[Lugers down under]

If any one is interested, I recently obtained a really nice (mint) 1918 DWM 4" 9mm all matching rig , gun, holster, 1918, both matching mags and tool, serial number 59b in pristeen condition.

This is a WW1 capture gun and the man who captured it was awarded the Military Medal which is very next in line to the Victoria cross.

I have obtained a copy of the medal citation and two pages of his diary and I have a photo of him coming.
If you are interested here is the information received from the NZ Defence Department.
(by the way, he scratced his initals on the frame side and wrote his number on the RH grip in indelible pencil, but I think that just adds to the value.

Surname : COOP
Given Name : Norman

Regimental : Number 48456
Rank : Private, Otago Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, NZ Rifle Brigade
Next of Kin : Mrs N
Next of Kin Surname: COOP
Next of Kin Relationship : Wife
Next of Kin Address : Mount Smart Road Penrose Auckland
Occupation at time of enlistment : Coachbuilder

Citation of MM
"For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. In the attack near Le Quesnoy on the morning of the 4th November 1918 enemy machine gun fire from the front and flank was holding up the advance of the front line and the enemy positions could not be located. Rifleman Coop who was No. 1 of Lewis gun team, regardless of his own personal safety; worked forward into the open to draw the fire of the guns and thus disclose their exact position. This he did most successfully and Rifleman Pedersen who was his No 2 was enabled to bring his gun into action and put the enemy guns out of action. Rifleman Coop by his fearless bravery saved many casualties and enabled the advance to be successfully carried through. Hes example of fearless courage was invaluable and greatly inspired his men"

Exert from the diary of Corporal Norman Coop , Enlisted number 48456 Awarded the Military Medal
at the Somme in 1918.

We also noticed that on both our flanks were held up by Fritz, so the only thing left for us was to try and find out were the fire was coming from. So we crawled along the bottom and run across a open field in single file to a hedge the other side and then we crawled up the hill and when we were about 75 yards from the top we noticed old Fritz up there firing, so I got my Lewis gun into firing position while the remainder of the section opened up with their rifles.

After we had fired a few rounds old Fritz came out with his hands up, so now the boys were able to carry on and we arrived at our final objective and dug in now being 10.30. Then the First Auckland boys carried on from us for that was as far as we had to go.

After I had dug in and reported all well, the O.C. sent for me and told me that I had saved the boys and that he had sent my name in for a decoration which resulted in me getting the Military Medal.

All through the stunt we only lost 9 wounded and none killed. My section came through without a scratch.
It was good luck than good management I think but â??san fairy annâ?�

We stopped there till 1 oâ??clock and while we there did a little ratting the dead and took a nice Luger pistol from a Fritz whom had no further use for it â?¦â?¦.

If anyone would like a photo I will post one.
Kind wishes
Murray

[Imperial Arms]

Hello Murray,

Thank you for providing very extensive information on an outstanding and historical set.

Yes Sir, please post a photo so we can all drool! You are such a lucky guy.

Cheers,
Albert

[Adam]

Great find! I would love to see detailed pics of the rig. It is great that you were able to get a luger with documented history such as this.

[Lugers down under]

Slight mistake,
The serial number is actually 59f not b.
This would place the production in mid 1918.
Interesting fact is that of all the Lugers I own which is only a mere 45 or so, this is the most crisp and in brand new condition that I have ever owned. When you hold it, the grips and steel is almost sharp and cutting. There is no wear what so ever, and considering it is 84 years old.
I doubt that it was ever out of the holster.
I will try and post a photo or three.
Regards
Murray.

[Lugers down under]

Here is a photo of the complete rig:



and below is a photo of the reverse side with Norm Coop's inlisted number, 48456, written onto the grip




Sorry the photo could not be sharper, its getting late at night here down under. <img border="0" alt="[sleep]" title="" src="graemlins/sleep.gif" />
kind wishes,

[John Sabato]

Fantastic Find Murray... our congrats! and thanks for sharing the photo!

[Doubs]

Murray, thank you for sharing a genuine account of a Great War action and the priveledge of viewing the Luger captured by a very brave man. Every collector who values the history of these fine old pistols is envious but also grateful that the Luger has found a home with someone who appreciates it.

[lugercollector]

Super find!!!....congratulations!!!...it is not easy to find a trophy like that.....well done!!

[Edward Tinker]

Murrary, can I use this in my booklet?

Ed

[Lugers down under]

Of course Ed,
I should have his photograph shortly if you want a copy and I am currently researching three other WW1 New Zealand capture guns I own.
Kind wishes
Murray

[Henry Bucki]

Great looking luger, what did you give for it?

[Lugers down under]

Henry
I gave a trade which equalled about NZ$1500 for the complete rig,comprising of the gun, holster and two matching mags and tool, plus the diary and WW1 photo of Private Norm Coop. Down here that equals about US$1050.00 at the current US$ exchange rate.
But, then again, how much do you pay for a peice of history. The serial number is actually 59f or fifty nine "f" suffex.The gun is all matching numbers including the grips and both mags.
Regards
Murray.

[John Sabato]

A Great buy Murray! That would be a "steal" of a price in the USA...