SOLD - Extremely Rare DWM Model 1908 Luger - Bolivian Contract

Description

5/15/18 - This is one of the rarest lugers Legacy has ever offered - a Bolivian Contract DWM Model 1908 luger.  This is an excellent example of a supremely rare gun, with an estimated 200 such pistols produced and delivered to the Bolivian Government in 1913, and only six known to exist!  Very few of these pistols survived the Jungle of Bolivia and Costanzo states in "World of Lugers" that "to date only 6 are known".  This very small contract run falls into the serial number range between; 64400 to 65600 with all know serial number spread over the estimated block of 200 pistols. They were produced using the 1908 Commercial Luger as the basic pistol with some very distinct features found only on these Bolivian contract Lugers. That being they all are without the hold open device, the upper safety area is marked "SEGURO" with the extractor marked "CARGADO" on the left side.  Additionally the chamber area, which usually would have a National Crest is instead roll stamped in three lines: "EJERCITO/DE/BOLIVIA", e.g "Army of Bolivia". It has the standard "DWM" logo on the front toggle area. It has the standard "Crown/N" commercial proofs on the left side of the barrel extension, the underside of the barrel, the left side of the breech bolt and front toggle. It is correctly numbered in the commercial manner with the hidden serial numbers, with the full number on the front of the frame and underside of the barrel.  Given the conditions these pistols were subjected to, this one is in excellent condition.  It is all original and correct with 92-93% blue remaining.  There is some finish loss on high edges and the bottom of the front strap.  The grips are unnumbered and the magazine is period correct but numbered to another pistol.  The bore is frosted throughout and the rifling has been smoothed a bit over time, but no major pitting or corrosion.