WW1 German 1917-1920 DWM P.08 Artillery Luger Caliber 9mm Pistol (Original)

WW1 German 1917-1920 DWM LP.08 Artillery Luger Caliber 9mm Pistol

SKU: GERMAN 1917/1920 DWM LP.08 ARTILLERY LUGER PISTOL

Original/Reproduction: Original

Availability: In-stock

Manufacturer: DWM- Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken

Date Manufactured: 1917/1920

Model: DWM1917

Serial Number: 4145

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Toggle Assembly: Toggle-locked recoil assembly

Receiver: Semi-automatic pistol with a long-slide receiver

Extractor: Marked “GELADEN” on left side

Barrel: 8-inch (200mm)

Proofs: Imperial German Military Acceptance and Proof Marks

Safety:  Upper safety lever area of frame marked “GESICHERT”

Grips: Checkered Walnut Wood

Magazine: One Original Matching 8-Round Magazine

Serial Range: Military Serial Numbers

Condition: Excellent

Bore: 10/10

Mechanically: Very Good

Price: $5500.00

Seller ID: JMW

Seller Code: WS-4000

Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.

Description

This is an original, mint condition German LP08 Artillery Luger, double-dated 1917/1920, and chambered in 9mm, with one original magazine. It is all-matching, with every numbered part consistent with the original factory assembly. Manufactured by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), this pistol was initially produced for the German military in 1917 and later reworked in 1920, as indicated by both dates stamped on the chamber.

This “Artillery” Luger is distinguished by its longer 8-inch barrel and adjustable rear sight, calibrated up to 800 meters. It was originally designed for use with a detachable stock, giving it carbine-like capabilities.

This exceptional piece is museum quality, retaining 99% of its original finish. The matching grips remain in near-perfect condition, and the bore is near mint, showing minimal use. This is a superb, collector-grade example of a rare and highly desirable German military sidearm.

History

German 1917-1920 DWM LP.08 Artillery Luger 9mm Pistol – Historical Overview

The German LP.08 Artillery Luger represents one of the most recognizable and historically important variants from the P08 Luger pistol family. The LP.08 emerged as a sidearm during World War I to give German artillery personnel and specialized troops a lightweight semi-automatic pistol that performed well at distant ranges.

Key Historical Details

• Model: LP.08 (Lange Pistole 08)
• Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
• Manufacturer: Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM)
• Production Dates: Double-dated 1917/1920
• Barrel Length: 8 inches (200mm)
• Sights: Adjustable tangent rear sight graduated up to 800 meters
• Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds, with optional 32-round Trommel (snail drum) magazine
• Stock Compatibility: Equipped with a rear grip slot for attachment of a wooden shoulder stock Design and Purpose.

The LP.08 Artillery Luger entered production in 1914 to fulfill military requirements for a compact firearm that united pistol and carbine characteristics. The longer barrel along with precision sights enabled soldiers to hit targets farther than typical sidearms. The combination of a detachable wooden stock and Trommel drum magazine allowed the LP.08 to function effectively as a short-range carbine. The LP.08 received its first distribution to artillery personnel and stormtroopers and aviators because of its accuracy, dependability and effectiveness in trench combat.

Double-Dated 1917/1920 Significance.

The historical significance of this 1917/1920 DWM model arises from its dual production dates: The pistol entered production during 1917 at the peak of World War I. The year 1920 marked the reissue and reinspection period under Weimar Republic rule which involved marking government property according to the Treaty of Versailles. Military, police and paramilitary organizations utilized the inventory control process to reauthorize the firearms for use during the early post-war period. The double-dated LP.08 pistols attract collectors because they show the pistol’s service history between Imperial German Army and Weimar Republic.

Collectability and Historical Value

The German LP.08 Artillery Luger stands as one of the most famous World War I handguns which collectors highly desire.

The following features make this handgun more attractive to collectors:

• All-Matching Serial Numbers
• Original Finish and Condition
• Original Accessories: Including the wooden stock, snail drum magazine, holster, and cleaning tools
• Sharp Proofs and Military Acceptance Marks

The LP.08 holds a special place among militaria and firearm collectors because of its blend of engineering mastery with combat experience and post-war significance.

Summary The 1917-1920 DWM LP.08 Artillery Luger functions as a historical artifact which showcases German military history through its integration of World War I technological progress with post-war transitional complexities. Its elegant design, battlefield reputation, and connection to some of the most tumultuous years in German history solidify its place as a legendary sidearm.