BACKGROUND: The P08 ("Pistole" model 1908), more commonly referred to after the surname of its designer, Georg "Luger," came about as a re-design of the "Borchardt" pistol produced by the firm he was employed by, the Ludwig Löwe & Cie armaments factory of Berlin. In 1899 the resulting "Borchardt-Luger" pistol was tested and, after further modifications, it was adopted by the Swiss army in 1900. The German navy, after requesting that it be re-chambered with a 9mm round, which would become the standard caliber for numerous pistols and sub-machine guns which followed, adopted the pistol in 1904. Its "08" designation stems from its adoption by the German army in 1908. It would see service throughout the first world war, during the Reichswehr era, and became the official pistol of the Wehrmacht prior to WWII. Although popular, its toggle breech was prone to dirt entry, which affected its performance. In 1938 the weapons firm of Carl Walther developed the P38 pistol as its successor. Although the P08 was never fully replaced by the P38, manufacture of the earlier pistol was discontinued in 1943.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Very nice example of a WW1 German sidearm. A standard, 4" barrel P08, whose barrel has been plugged. The pistol has a working safety toggle, to the rear of its left side, which, when swiveled down, reveals the stamping "Gesichert" (Safe). Its trigger also works, as does the magazine release button between the left grip plate and the trigger guard. Both of the wooden grip plates have age darkened but are in overall excellent condition. To the rear base of the grip is a raised area which facilitates the attachment of a wooden stock. A lanyard loop is to the rear of the pistol, above the grip. Above the lanyard loop is its notched, rear sight, forward of which is the breech. An Imperial crown, underneath of which is the name of the government arsenal where it was produced, "Erfurt," may be seen stamped to the top of the breech. Just forward of this is stamped a control mark in the form of small crown with an indecipherable Gothic letter beneath it. The pistol's year of manufacture, "1918," is prominently stamped along the top, just behind where the barrel meets the body. All match serial number. Retains approximately 90% original bluing. Luger comes complete with a superb, chocolate brown, hardshell original holster. Holster has all original stitching and comes with its original "take down" tool. Holster is marked "N.BURGHARD PASING" and is dated "1918". Top inside of the holster flap is "B.A.XI" marked for the army corps of issue. Superb example. De-activated to Canadian specs, may only be shipped inside Canada.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $1,288.00