Make: DWM
Model: Long P.08, Lange Pistole ‘08, also known as the “Artillery Luger”
Serial Number: 2249a
Year of Manufacture: 1915
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The top of the front sight to the left of the blade, top of the rear sight base, the rear face of the sight leaf, the left rear of the sight arm, the right side of the slider, the sear bar, the sear bar safety, the extractor, the top of the front toggle, the back of the rear toggle, the left of the bolt, the left of the firing pin, the trigger, and the slide stop are marked “49”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the barrel extension is marked “2249”. The top of the front toggle is also marked with “DWM” in script. The chamber ring is marked “1915” at the top. The underside of the round part of the barrel is marked “2249 / a / 8,82”, and the front end of the frame just beneath it is marked “2249 / a”. The right side of the chamber is marked with three crowned script letters and an Eagle. The Eagle is also marked on the right of the barrel at the rear and on the left of the bolt. The left side of the frame under the safety is marked “GESICHERT”.
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the muzzle. The windage can be fine-tuned via a spanner wrench screw adjustment on the right of the base. The tangent artillery rear sight is flat topped with a “V” notch and the elevator has graduated markings from 1-8. The elevation can be fine-tuned via a spanner wrench screw adjustment. The sights are known as the “Fine Tuning” Artillery Sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have minor handling wear with a few nicks and scuffs. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed.
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The sideplate and takedown lever are not serial marked, likely replacement parts.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about a 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The strawed parts show muting in some areas. There is infrequent finish wear, mostly on raised features. There is scattered stubborn, dried grease. There are a few scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel extension has barely perceptible play to the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single tin plated magazine with a non-serial matching wooden floorplate, two commercial Erma magazines, what looks to be a field made leather two cell magazine pouch and matching leather holster with cleaning rod, and a leather flap-holster with wood board-style detachable shoulder stock (not serial marked).
Our Assessment: The “Artillery Luger” was introduced in July 1913 and primarily issued to artillery crews, though it was also “scrounged” by early German aviators. The Artillery Luger was distinguished by its 8” barrel, 4” longer than the standard model, and was equipped with more precise sights than the standard P.08. It could also be fitted with the 32 round “snail drum” magazine for considerable firepower. During the Great War, the Artillery Luger was designated for use by “Sturmtruppen”, the elite German assault infantry units formed in 1916 to break the stalemate on the Western Front by breaching the Allied lines in nightly trench raids. Originally produced with “Fine Tuning” front and rear sights, by early 1917 DWM had eliminated the fine adjustment of the front sight, and in late 1917, the fine adjustment for the rear sight was discontinued as well.
This Imperial German WW1 DWM Artillery Luger Pistol was made in 1915 and is in Very Good to Fine condition. It features 94% of its original finish, strong mechanics, and a decent bore. The numbered parts of the pistol are all matching, though the sideplate and takedown lever are not serial marked, and the magazine’s serial number does not match the pistol. Artillery Lugers have always been quite collectible for their unique design, high quality machining, and historical significance. This is a beautiful example with the early “Fine Tuning” sights, both front and rear, and is deserving of a place of prominence in a Luger or an Imperial German collection.
Pistol