^Lot 1257 INTRIGUING WEIMAR ERA POLICE UNIT MARKED DWM P.08

LUGER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Cal. 9x19mm. S# 801n. Bbl. 3 15/16". P.08 Luger semi-automatic pistol produced by DWM in 1920 for Weimar police use. The top of the bbl. extension is marked "1920", with 3 Eagle/AYA4 proofs marked on the right (single Eagle/AYA4 proof repeated on top of bbl. and left side of breechblock). Front grip strap is Weimar police unit marked "S.AI.III." indicating issue to the Prussian Schutzpolizei of the Allenstein district. Unusually, the frame is marked with an "&" beneath the S#, which is repeated above the S# on the bbl., with the exact significance of this marking remaining unknown. Metal components exhibit a rust blue finish overall, save for on some small parts including the takedown lever, trigger, safety lever, and ejector, which are strawed. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Standard dovetailed blade front sight and fixed V-notch rear sight. All serialized parts are matching and include the frame, takedown lever, sideplate, trigger, safety lever & bar, bbl., bbl. extension, trigger bar, breechblock, extractor, firing pin, as well as the toggles. Hold-open latch and grips are unnumbered. MAGS: x1 8-rd. with non-matching wood plug marked "1/ 1007". CONDITION: metal components retain large amounts to the majority of their original blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear fading to gray and brown patinas, scattered spots of light surface oxidation, as well as some scattered spots and patches of light to mild pitting. Strawed parts retain fair amounts of their original finish, exhibiting areas of wear fading to gray patina and scattered spots of age related discoloration. Bore is relatively bright, exhibiting consistent mild pitting, while retaining fair to good rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Grips show light smoothing, as well as some scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, with the left panel exhibiting a chip in the usual area, at and to the right of the safety lever. (25-6088/MLW). CURIO. $800-1,200.