^Lot 1439 ESPECIALLY ATTRACTIVE GERMAN WWI DWM "1917" DATE

LP.08 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH DISPLAY CASES. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# 300n. Bbl. 7 7/8". LP.08 semi-automatic pistol mfg. by DWM in 1917 under contract for the Imperial German military. 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 professionally reapplied rust blue finish, with some small parts exhibiting a reheated straw finish. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Dovetailed blade front sight with tangent V-notch rear sight graduated 1-8. Nearly all serialized parts are matching and include the frame, takedown lever, trigger, rear sight assembly, trigger bar, breechblock, extractor, firing pin, and toggles. Sideplate and hold-open latch appear to have been renumbered to match. Grips have possibly been renumbered to match. MAGS: 1 original plated 8-rd. with wood plug, renumbered to match. 1 blued MEC-GAR reproduction 8-rd. with black synthetic concentric circle plug. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: wood display case with brass plaque on lid and red felt lined interior. Case contains a WWII era loading tool, reproduction cleaning rod, 11-rds. of "bxn", "51" and "X4" head stamped steel case ammunition, as well as a WWII era German insignia pin. Pistol is also accompanied by a wood display case with a glass lid featuring a red cloth lining and brass "WWI German/ Artillery Luger/ 1917" plaque. Case contains a reproduction Pour Le Merite medal. Documentation includes a 1978 dated letter of ownership and an appraisal letter. CONDITION: fine, as professionally restored, with metal components retaining virtually all of their reapplied blue finish, with some small spots of light to mild pitting present beneath the finish. Frame exhibits scattered spots of pitting beneath the bluing under the grip panels. Strawed parts are very good, with some light wear on edges. Bright bore, exhibiting consistent light pitting, as well as some spots of mild pitting towards the muzzle, while retaining strong rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Grips show light smoothing and some superficial handling marks, but otherwise present nicely. Display cases show scattered superficial marks and minor impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise remain sound. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John "Jack" Dhooghe. (25-5543/MLW). CURIO. $1,000-1,500.