SOLD - Rare 1908 First Issue Military DWM Luger - Machine Gun Unit

Description

4/29/21 - This is a rare 1908 First Issue DWM military Luger with machine gun unit marking on front strap. There were only 25,000 1st issue examples produced, and roughly 6,000 were unit marked, so this is an interesting piece with a rich history. The first issue Lugers were the first military produced Lugers in 9mm, as this was one of the most requested changes in response to the earlier 1902 and 1906 models. The pistol is all matching and original with some obvious freckling, wear and patina but this gun was likely carried and used heavily during the war, also evidenced by the worn and pitted bore. The front strap is unit marked 'B.2.R.M.G.36' which indicates "Bavarian 2. Infantry Regiment, Maschinengewehr-Kompagnie waffe nr 22." The Bavarian 2 Infantry Regiment was part of the 1 Bavarian Infantry Division during World War I and fought in the Battle of Verdun. It was rated as a first class assault division by allied intelligence. The grips are unmarked but fit the gun perfectly. The magazine is World War I original but mismatched numbers. This model was designed without hold open or stock lug, but this one had a hold open added later, which is common for these pistols.