WWI German erfurt Imperial Arsenal 1918 P.08 Luger 9mm Semi Automatic Pistol
Our Assessment: This erfurt Arsenal made Luger was made in 1918, having Revisions-Commission markings and a flat at the front of the chamber ring. This flat was put on all late-production erfurt P.08 pistols to accommodate the adjustable rear sight of the Long or "Artillery" model pistols, whether or not they would actually have one installed. All of the serial numbers on the pistol are matching, including the grips and magazine, which is a nice find for the collectors. As 1918 wore on, hope was lost for the Imperial German Army and certain standards were loosened to increase production and get more arms to soldiers in the field. Finish was rougher, cosmetic or non-essential tolerance flaws were overlooked, and the Revisions-Commission would approve some pistols which had previously been turned down by inspectors.This pistol is in about Good condition. Cosmetically it looks great for its age, but there is some damage at the left-rear of the bolt which prevents removal of the firing pin. This an interesting find for Luger collectors and those with an interest in German military arms as used in WWI and WWII. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: erfurt Imperial Arsenal
Model: P08 Luger
Serial Number: 316p
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Action Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine Fed
Markings: The breech-bolt, sideplate, sear bar, sear bar safety, takedown lever, extractor, bolt-stop, trigger, each toggle link and the inside of both grip panels are marked "16". The left side of the frame behind the trigger is marked "15". The rear toggle is marked with a crown over "ERFURT". The front of the frame under the barrel is marked "316 / p" and the underside of the barrel is marked "316", the bottom of the barrel is also marked "8,85", the top-right with an Imperial German eagle. The top of the barrel extension is marked "1918, the left side is marked "316". The right side of the barrel extension is marked with three crowned scripted characters and an Imperial German eagle. The left side of the breechblock is marked with an eagle. The left side of the frame in front of the safety is marked "GESICHERT". The left of the extractor is marked "GELADEN". Most components bear a crowned script character inspection mark and some also have a crowned "RC" Revisions-Commission inspection mark (indicates serviceable pistol which failed inspection due to non-critical tolerances or external flaws).
Barrel Length: 4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade dovetailed to a base at the muzzle. The front sight has light play side-to-side in the dovetail. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips show fairly even light handling wear with some small nicks and light scuffing. The left panel has spots of dark discoloration. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The lands are semi-bright, the grooves are gray. The rifling is sharp. There scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is light handling wear in the grip areas and some finish wear at the muzzle. The controls show handling wear. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, easiest seen in the worn areas. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is damage at the left-rear of the bolt, the firing pin spring-guide was difficult to remove, we were not able to remove the firing pin from the bolt. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some are poorly struck. Overall, this pistol is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: There is damage at the left-rear of the bolt, the firing pin spring-guide was difficult to remove, we were not able to remove the firing pin from the bolt. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The barrel extension has barely perceptible play to the frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine with serial-matching wood floorplate.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: YES
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