DWM P.08 Model 1914 Artillery 9mm – 1918, UNPROOFED, MATCHING SERIAL NUMBERS

This is an incredibly fascinating piece of World War I history. Finding an all-matching 1918 DWM Artillery Luger with its original factory finish and no Imperial military acceptance proofs or post-war commercial Crown over N stamps is a true collector anomaly.

This Artillery Luger has matching 2786c serial number across its parts including the firing pin, the one part that does not match is the hold open which is a single digit off (87 opposed to 86), an easy to make mistake at the factory when production is going full tilt!

This pistol was likely fully assembled at the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken factory. Pistols in this un-proofed condition are often referred to as lunchbox guns!  It’s possible the gun was built from matching parts on the factory floor but was smuggled out by a worker or quietly taken home, completely bypassing the official government inspection lines and proving houses. It’s an interesting conundrum, the true story we will never know! This 1918 Artillery features the standard 8-inch barrel, and while the magazine is mismatched it is period correct for wartime production. The gun retains its factory finishes and has a bore that rates very good+.

.With 25,000 DWM Artillery Lugers manufactured in 1918 this gun with its imperial proofs has a rarity rating of ‘Uncommon’ in Aaron Davis’s book Standard Catalogue of Luger. This undocumented and un-proofed Artillery example is rarer still and a fantastic conversation piece and a great addition for any serious military collector.