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Interesting and Very Rare World War II Series I Krieghoff "P" Code Five Digit Serial Number Commerci

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:14,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Interesting and Very Rare World War II Series I Krieghoff  P  Code Five Digit Serial Number Commerci
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Estimate: $14000 - 22500
Manufacturer: Krieghoff Heinrich Gun Co Model: P.08
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 with 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 and 191 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, with 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 with the round bottom "U". The left side of the frame has the rare side frame inscription in three lines: "Heinrich Krieghoff/Waffenfabrik/Suhl". The pistol is numbered in the military fashion which is unusual for this model, that gives rise to the theory that it was the "ery first five digit Series I Luger manufactured, and was probably actually 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 of the serial number, (9111) on the left side of the barrel extension and the last two digits (11) visibly stamped on the various other parts in the military fashion to include the top of the breech block, toggle assembly, extractor, take down lever and side plate. This pistol has the high polish Krieghoff blue finish with the straw colored smaller parts. It is fitted with a set of the unmarked late production brown plastic grips with the coarse checkering. The pistol is complete with one early style unmarked nickel plated magazine with an unnumbered/unproofed aluminum base.
BBL: 3 7/8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 9 mm Luger
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: P9111
Condition:
Very fine with 90% of the blued finish overall showing wear and finish loss on the edges and high spots. The grips are excellent with nice distinct checkering on both sides showing only minor handling marks. This is an exceptionally rare transitional "P Code" Krieghoff Luger pistol that would certainly be the center piece of any advance Luger collection