*Imperial German, WW1, 1916–Cold War, DWM P.08 Luger Dated 1916, Russian Capture, Old-Spec Deactivation*
Serial number 200. Kal 9mm P.
A highly characterful 1916 DWM P.08 Luger, produced for the Imperial German Army and later refurbished in a Soviet arsenal. The chamber is crisply dated 1916, the forward toggle carries the correct DWM monogram, and Imperial inspection stamps remain visible on the right receiver wall, confirming its First World War origins. During its post-war life the pistol received a Soviet force-matched renumbering, notably the electro-pencilled “00” applied to the right side of the receiver, a method strongly associated with Russian-capture Lugers and K98 rifles. The pistol now presents with a coherent post-war renumbered series, with numerous components stamped “200” or “00”, including the takedown lever, trigger, sideplate, and other small parts. The black ribbed composite grips are consistent with post-war armoury replacements, seating correctly and matching the known pattern of Soviet-issued spares. As a UK old-spec deactivation, the pistol retains full mechanical movement and can be stripped, cocked, cycled and dry-fired, preserving the proper function of the classic toggle-lock action.
Historical Note:
This Luger began life at DWM, Berlin, during the height of the First World War, part of Germany’s primary contracted output of P.08 pistols for the Imperial Army. After the Second World War, many captured German firearms were processed through Soviet repair and storage depots, where mixed components were assembled into working examples and given new serials using electro-pencilled or punch-stamped force-matching—a well-documented practice on Russian-capture Lugers and K98 rifles. The darker arsenal reblue, the electro-pencilled numbering on the receiver, and the post-war ribbed composite grips are all features associated with this refurbishment process. Pistols treated in this way often remained in Soviet or Eastern Bloc stores for decades before eventually entering the surplus market, giving them a distinctive WWI–WWII–Cold War service narrative.
*Condition*
A solid, mechanically functional example with an attractive, honest appearance. The old-spec action operates smoothly, with the toggle cycling correctly and all permitted functions working as intended. Finish shows typical wartime and arsenal wear, including areas of light pitting and a darker reblue linked to post-war refurbishment. Electro-pencilled numbering is visible on the receiver and selected components, and the 200 / 00 force-matched parts form a consistent set. Grips are tight and in good order, and the magazine—while not original—is a correct type and presents well. Overall, this is a well-preserved, character-rich 1916 DWM Luger with clear signs of Soviet arsenal handling and a fully functional old-spec action. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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