knowledgeable help I.D. P08

JimStanley · 07-22-2002, 02:12 PM

Hello Everbody on Forum:

I am new to this forum and to the world of Lugers
For many years I have fired both Handguns and Rifles and have owned and been well versed in modern handguns!
Last week I purchased my first Luger P08 Parabellium, I must say after stripping it and examining it I am very much pleased with it's engineering and craftsmanship.

My problem is that I am having great trouble identifying it.I very much hope that someone knowledgeable in this arm will help me out!

Description:
4 inch barrel
serial # 72**30
DWM on toggel
an crown with N underneath it on Left side of frame/ under barrel
N only on Toggel part that has DWM
Front of Toggel where Extractor is is a two pronged point with a 1 or ?? in middle
NO date on chamber and no evidence of grinding or polishing date off
This arm is in very good condition barrel is pretty good, finish is worn
I stripped it apart and it seems well looked after
not to much worn
9MM caliber I purchased it off a person at my gun

Could anyone please help me out with any history of this arm I have found out from my searching that Lugers can be very difficult to tell history of if possibly e mail me and if more info is needed please tell what it is and where to look

Thank You
Jim

Jimstanley86@hotmail.com

Doubs · 07-22-2002, 02:25 PM

Jim, you have a typical DWM Commercial Luger as indicated by the five digit (no suffix letter) serial number. The C/N proof marks you describe are also typical of a Commercial pistol. Further, the last two digits of the serial number should appear on the underside of the take-down lever and the side plate. It's possibly pre-war (WW1) but I'm not at home and the serial number would place it close one way or the other. The Commercial pieces are extremely well made and it should be a fine shooter. If it has 90% or better original finish remaining, it's worth a fair penny as well.

Johnny Peppers · 07-22-2002, 08:19 PM

Jim,
Your DWM would be classified as a 1914 Commercial and would be among the last of the commercial pistols produced by DWM before really gearing up for WWI military production. Production on this model was not that great, and as such is much more desireable than the post WWI commercials.

07-22-2002, 02:12 PM	#1
JimStanley User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	knowledgeable help I.D. P08 Hello Everbody on Forum: I am new to this forum and to the world of Lugers For many years I have fired both Handguns and Rifles and have owned and been well versed in modern handguns! Last week I purchased my first Luger P08 Parabellium, I must say after stripping it and examining it I am very much pleased with it's engineering and craftsmanship. My problem is that I am having great trouble identifying it.I very much hope that someone knowledgeable in this arm will help me out! Description: 4 inch barrel serial # 72**30 DWM on toggel an crown with N underneath it on Left side of frame/ under barrel N only on Toggel part that has DWM Front of Toggel where Extractor is is a two pronged point with a 1 or ?? in middle NO date on chamber and no evidence of grinding or polishing date off This arm is in very good condition barrel is pretty good, finish is worn I stripped it apart and it seems well looked after not to much worn 9MM caliber I purchased it off a person at my gun Could anyone please help me out with any history of this arm I have found out from my searching that Lugers can be very difficult to tell history of if possibly e mail me and if more info is needed please tell what it is and where to look Thank You Jim Jimstanley86@hotmail.com

07-22-2002, 02:25 PM	#2
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,670 Thanks: 770 Thanked 1,614 Times in 525 Posts	Jim, you have a typical DWM Commercial Luger as indicated by the five digit (no suffix letter) serial number. The C/N proof marks you describe are also typical of a Commercial pistol. Further, the last two digits of the serial number should appear on the underside of the take-down lever and the side plate. It's possibly pre-war (WW1) but I'm not at home and the serial number would place it close one way or the other. The Commercial pieces are extremely well made and it should be a fine shooter. If it has 90% or better original finish remaining, it's worth a fair penny as well.

07-22-2002, 08:19 PM	#3
Johnny Peppers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Calion, Arkansas Posts: 1,042 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Jim, Your DWM would be classified as a 1914 Commercial and would be among the last of the commercial pistols produced by DWM before really gearing up for WWI military production. Production on this model was not that great, and as such is much more desireable than the post WWI commercials.