1815

Scarce 1908 DWM "Second" Bulgarian Contract Luger Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 2,250.00 USD
Scarce 1908 DWM  Second  Bulgarian Contract Luger Pistol
This is a very good example of a fairly rare Model 1908 DWM Bulgarian contract Luger pistol. It is estimated that there were approximately 10,000 total lugers produced for Bulgaria in two separate contract/production runs, with 5000 pistols being produced in each production run. The pistols were all serial numbered 01-5000, and the only way to tell the difference is that the serial numbers in the second production run (have serial numbers with a letter "C" stamped after them). As in the case of this example, the serial number is "1339 C" which would make this a fairly early second production run pistol. The other distinguishing feature on these Bulgarian Lugers is the large lanyard loop located on the lower/bottom area of the rear grip strap. This lanyard loop is only found on this model of luger pistol. The top of the chamber is correctly marked with the DWM scroll monogram and the front toggle link is roll stamped with the "Bulgarian Crest" that consists of a Rampant Lion in a shield surmounted by a crown . The lower safety lever area is marked "FIRE" in Bulgarian with Cyrillic letters. The left side of the extractor has Cyrillic markings. A Bulgarian rampant lion proof mark is stamped on the right side of the receiver. The full serial number "1339 c" is located on the front of the receiver and the underside of the barrel, with an overly large, however original serial number "1339" stamped on the left side of the barrel extension. The partial serial number "39" is visible on the various small parts, e.g. the take down lever, breech bolt, side plate, both toggle links, and the thumb safety lever. The pistol has a rust blue finish with straw colored trigger, take down lever, magazine release, thumb safety lever and ejector. The grips are checkered walnut and the magazine has a nickel plated body with an unmarked wooden base.
BBL: 4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 9 mm Luger
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 1339c
Condition: Fine with 40% of the faded original finish remaining overall. The pistol exhibits even honest original thinning on the edges and high spots, the grip straps, the side plate and barrel. The grips are in good condition showing their original checkering on both side that has been worn off on the lower half of the grip panels again by just original, honest wear form service use in the field. It has matching number on the various parts with an unnumbered magazine. Even though this pistol may sound like it has seen its share of use in the field, these pistols saw extensive use prior to WWI by the Bulgarian Army, again during and after WWI and then again all during WWII by the Bulgarian Army, the Germans, who undoubtedly captured some of these pistols and again possibly by the Russians. So it could easily have seen over 50 years of hard field use by multiple countries! Still an interesting and scarce pre-WWI DWM luger pistol.