Von Hindenburg's Luger ?

[tipoc]

Well, I only drop by now and again and it's been awhile. I know you won't mind. A friend asked me for some help, mostly cuz I at least know where to go for assistance and because I know what I don't know about the P08.

My friend (there really is a friend and not me asking) was offered a P08, DWM 1915, all matching numbers in the correct places, 88xx, no unit numbers, showing a good deal of holster wear and a holster. The rig is correct for the period with a correct magazine and tool, it has a small fabric lifting strap that runs inside the shell that is used to lift the piece up for the hand. The holster is marked on the inside of the flap with a stamp. The stamp contains the date 1915, Ulm Do. and I could not make out the rest. There are no other markings on the rig. The holster shows quite a lot of wear from carrying on a belt and has been repaired several times, restiched, etc.

The gun of course comes with a story. A family heirloom brought over from Germany It was originally General Paul von Hindenburg's gun!!! Wow what a find!!! Hindenberg of Tannenberg (was it there they beat the Russians?) and who helped pave the way for Hitler. Who retired in 1911 only to come back in 1914. No paper of course. Just a story.

I told my friend that without a paper trail (letters, etc.) it was just a good Luger with a good bore with an older rig. He wanted to know if there is any way to check on the gun. The seller told him that among the proof stamps on the right side of the piece there is one that means it was issued to a high ranking officer. I had not heard this before. Is this the case?

Any help would be appreciated. Any questions I will try to answer.

tipoc