^Lot 1437 GERMAN WWI DWM "1917" DATE LP.08 SEMI-AUTOMATIC

PISTOL. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# 5225b. Bbl.7 7/8". LP.08 semi-automatic pistol mfg. by DWM under contract for the Imperial German military during WWI. The top of the bbl. extension is marked "1917", with DWM arsenal proofs marked on the right. Toggle is marked with the intertwined "DWM" monogram. Metal components exhibit a rust blue finish overall, with some small parts including the takedown lever, trigger, safety lever, and ejector exhibiting a straw finish. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Standard LP.08 dovetailed blade front sight and tangent V-notch rear sight graduated 1-8. All serialized parts parts are matching and include the frame, takedown lever, sideplate, trigger, safety lever & bar, hold-open latch, bbl., front sight, rear sight assembly, bbl. extension, trigger bar, breechblock, extractor, firing pin, toggles, as well as the grips. MAGS: 1 non-matching (S#: "7523") blued 8-rd. with wood plug. CONDITION: metal components retain the majority of their original arsenal blue finish, exhibiting some areas of light to mild wear and thinning (primarily on edges), scattered spots of light surface oxidation, as well as some scattered spots of light to mild pitting overall. Grip straps show a consistent scattering of light surface oxidation. Strawed parts retain fair to good amounts of their original finish, showing areas of wear fading to gray patina, as well as scattered spots of age related discoloration. Bright bore, exhibiting light pitting and areas of what appears to be hardened grease and/or carbon, while retaining strong rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics, although the toggle train occasionally does not catch on the hold-open latch, or remains caught on the hold-open latch after the mag. has been removed. Grips show mild smoothing, as well as some scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise remain sound. (25-6562/MLW). CURIO. $1,200-1,800.