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Interesting and Very Rare World War II Series I Krieghoff "P" Code Commercial Contract Luger Semi-Au

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Semiautomatic Handguns Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,500.00 USD
Interesting and Very Rare World War II Series I Krieghoff  P  Code Commercial Contract Luger Semi-Au
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Interesting and Very Rare World War II Series I Krieghoff "P" Code Commercial Contract Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Inscribed Side Frame Markings

This is a very fine example of a unique/rare and seldom encountered "P" code commercial contract Luger with the very rare Krieghoff side frame inscription markings and an unusual serial number. This series of Luger is classified into two basic groups. The early Series I serial numbered (P1 to P1000) and the later Series I "five digit" serial number range (P11,000 to P30,000). This Luger falls directly in between both of those groups. It is actually a transitional pistol that falls into the second group, which would make this example the lowest known Series I "five digit" Krieghoff "P" code Luger. It is estimated that in the first group approximately 960 were made, however in the second group less than 10 examples are known to exist, with this one being even earlier. It is probably the only one known, making this an extremely rare commercial example. These two types of commercial Lugers are described on page 190 through 199 of Gibson's book "The Krieghoff Parabellum". This Luger has the correct blank chamber area, the correct "Five Pointed Star" on the right side of the barrel extension, indicating that it was rejected for military acceptance, and the early commercial "Crown/N" firing proofs on the left side of the frame, barrel extension and underside of the barrel. The front toggle has the early C-1 die markings with the "I" in Krieghoff centered over the "S" in Suhl and the round bottom "U". The left side of the frame has the rare inscription "Heinrich Krieghoff/Waffenfabrik/Suhl". The pistol is numbered in the military fashion, which is unusual for this model and gives rise to the theory that it was the very first five digit Series I Luger manufactured, and was probably an early rejected Luftwaffe contract Luger that was diverted to Commercial sales. It has the full serial number (9111) on the front of the frame with the "P" slightly offset and up to the left, (9111) on the left side of the barrel extension and the last two digits (11) visible on the various other parts in the military fashion to include the top of the breech block, toggle assembly, extractor, takedown lever and side plate. This pistol has the high polish Krieghoff blue finish with the straw colored smaller parts, unmarked early style nickel magazine with an aluminum base and fitted with unmarked late production coarsely checkered brown plastic grips.

Manufucture: Krieghoff Heinrich Gun Co
Model: P.08
BBL: 3 7/8 inch round
Stock:
Guage: 9 mm Luger Auto
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: P9111

Very fine. The pistol retains 85% of the blue finish showing wear and finish loss on the edges and high spots, some light spotting on the barrel and a few small minor surface scratches. The grips are excellent showing some minor handling marks and crisp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptionally rare transitional "P Code" Krieghoff Luger pistol that would certainly be the centerpiece of any advanced Luger collection.