1584

Scarce Early Production DWM Model 1908 Luger with RG Markings and RG Marked Holster

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Scarce Early Production DWM Model 1908 Luger with RG Markings and RG Marked Holster
Buyer's Premium is 19.5% by credit card, reduced to 17% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
This is an excellent example of a Model 1908 Commercial Luger produced by DWM that has an "RG27" marked frame side rail. These RG marked Lugers were always a private purchase weapon with the engraved markings usually done outside the factory. This example is marked "R,G, 27" which represents "Reichs-Gendarmerie 27" a militarized police unit that was stationed in the Alsace-Lorraine sector of Belgium. These markings are very similar to the military model shown on page 21-22 of Jan Stills book on Imperial Lugers. These 1908 models were the first true full production Luger that all others were patterned after. These Lugers were produced from 1908 through 1913 and can be distinguished from the later models, based on two notable features. They were manufactured without a hold-open catch and they don't have a stock lug. This example was later modified to add in the hold-open, which was introduced in 1914. The chamber area is blank with the front toggle correctly having the DWM logo markings. The right side of the barrel extension has a small double "Crown/X" proof mark indicating rework in the 1920s era, probably when the hold-open device was added, with a single "Crown/N" commercial proof on the left side of the barrel extension, underside of the barrel, left side of the breechblock and toggle. It is correctly numbered in the commercial range/style, with the five digit serial number (61305) stamped on the frame and underside of the barrel with the last two digits (05) on the various small parts. It is fitted with a correct WWI era, unmarked nickel plated magazine with an unmarked wooden base. This Luger is complete with a commercial style brown leather holster marked inside the flap, "JULIUS JANSEN/STRASSBURG/1916", that has a separate slot for a takedown-pin next to the takedown tool and a separate slot for a cleaning rod next to the spare magazine pouch.
BBL: 4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 9 mm Luger
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 61305
Condition: Excellent with 95% of the original blued finish overall, with wear on the edges and high spots overall, such as the side plate, and muzzle area. The various small parts retain 80% of their straw colors overall. The grips are in excellent condition with nice original checkering on both sides, with light wear across the tops of the checkering. The holster is in fine condition with a nice darker brown color, with nice tight stitching overall. The lower front section of the holster shows some old age cracking and wrinkling of the leather with some heavier age cracking on the toe of the holster, with the front section of the flap hinge just starting to show some separation. The markings are clear and sharp.