Make: Mauser
Model: P.08
Serial Number: 1092
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 9mm
Action Type: Toggle-Action Semi-Automatic Striker-Fired Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 4"
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is serrated blade dovetailed to a banded base integral to the muzzle. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece checkered wood. The interior of each panel is stamped "1092" and with e/655 waffenamt. The grips show fairly even handling wear with some nicks and scuffing. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match. Some parts are not numbered including bolt stop, bolt, rear toggle, and barrel.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered minor erosion and a patch of more notable erosion in the top about mid-way down the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered spots of wear on raised features. There are scattered tiny spots of oxidation with a few spots of minor surface erosion. There are a few light nicks and tiny scratches. The barrel extension's finish has a slight plum hue. The action shows operational wear. The markings are generally clear, some inspection marks were applied before final polish or were poorly struck. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistol comes with a leather flap-holster, one matching Haenel magazine, one non-matching magazine, and Luger tool. The holster has a wire-repaired belt loop.
Our Assessment: The Luger is perhaps the most aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing of all autoloading centerfire pistols. It is also one of the strongest, most accurate and most recognizable service pistols ever made. Georg Luger developed his famous pistol in 1898-1899, essentially a much improved Borchardt type pistol. The Luger was so reliable and well liked that it was still being made and issued to German troops well after the P38 was adopted by the army. The largest percentage of Lugers were made by DWM, which became Mauser in 1930. During the war, the Germans used codes to disguise the manufacturer of their weapons, and the toggle links changed from DWM to S/42, 42 and finally byf. The byf marked Lugers were the last made by Mauser before they were forced to abandon the Luger in favor of the P38.
This particular Luger is a rare variant known as the "Kü" Luger. The name comes from the enigmatic prefix or suffix found on the barrel extension's serial marking. The exact origin and meaning of this marking has not been confirmed, but may refer to parts being used which were previously rejected at the Mauser factory or to the Küstenfliegerstaffeln, the German Coastal Flight Squadrons . An estimated 5,000 such pistols were assembled, all bearing Luftwaffe proofs on their barrel and barrel extension. This example retains matching numbered parts, though some parts which were normally numbered have no serial marking. In addition to its Luftwaffe proofs, it bears an "S/42" marking on the bottom of the barrel and W154 Army acceptance mark on the top-left.
For the dedicated collector, the Kü Lufftwaffe Luger is a tough variant to find. This pistol, in its high condition with matching parts, and one matching magazine, will make a wonderful addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
