First Luger.

George Anderson · 10-23-2008, 12:04 PM

More recent estimated production of the '08 militaries is in excess of twenty thousand (Still). Between 1908 and 1916 there were several changes that took place in the P08. In 1910 the inspectors' marks and proof were moved from the left to right side of the receiver and the year of manufacture was added above the chamber.
In 1911 further changes took place. The serial number placement of two digits on small parts was moved to visible surfaces rather than out-of sight locations as on the commercial models. Two additional changes took place with the serial number marking of the magazine. First a small suffix was added to the serial number then later the size and orientation of the serial number on the magazine was changed to match that of the Erfurt production. Prior to this change the magazine serial numbers on military DWM P08's was oriented back to front with large numerals.

During 1913 three more changes took place with the addition of a stock lug to the rear grip strap, a new front sight blade and a hold-open device to the frame. Also in 1913 army orders called for earlier model P08's to be turned in in order that they be retrofitted with a hold-open device and the newer front sight. Evidence indicates that Bavarian and at least some Wuertemberger units did not send their weapons back for refitting.

1914 saw some slight changes to the interior of the frame. These are thought to be efforts to strengthen the frame in order to meet the anticipated requirements of the LP08 which began production in that year.

1916 saw the last significant change with the relief (shortening) of the sear bar. This permitted the shooter to chamber a cartridge while the pistol safety was engaged.

10-23-2008, 12:04 PM	#21
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,531 Times in 788 Posts	More recent estimated production of the '08 militaries is in excess of twenty thousand (Still). Between 1908 and 1916 there were several changes that took place in the P08. In 1910 the inspectors' marks and proof were moved from the left to right side of the receiver and the year of manufacture was added above the chamber. In 1911 further changes took place. The serial number placement of two digits on small parts was moved to visible surfaces rather than out-of sight locations as on the commercial models. Two additional changes took place with the serial number marking of the magazine. First a small suffix was added to the serial number then later the size and orientation of the serial number on the magazine was changed to match that of the Erfurt production. Prior to this change the magazine serial numbers on military DWM P08's was oriented back to front with large numerals. During 1913 three more changes took place with the addition of a stock lug to the rear grip strap, a new front sight blade and a hold-open device to the frame. Also in 1913 army orders called for earlier model P08's to be turned in in order that they be retrofitted with a hold-open device and the newer front sight. Evidence indicates that Bavarian and at least some Wuertemberger units did not send their weapons back for refitting. 1914 saw some slight changes to the interior of the frame. These are thought to be efforts to strengthen the frame in order to meet the anticipated requirements of the LP08 which began production in that year. 1916 saw the last significant change with the relief (shortening) of the sear bar. This permitted the shooter to chamber a cartridge while the pistol safety was engaged.