1913 DWM Pistole 08 “Army Stock-Lug Hold-Open” 9 mm Luger – Matching, Pre-War Rarity
This full-size, numbers-matching Luger comes from the very first 1913 no-suffix production block, a brief transitional run that introduced both the shoulder-stock lug and the hold-open latch—features that defined the World War I service pattern. Forged and machined at Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) before the Great War, it showcases pre-war metallurgy, a deep rust-blue finish with strawed small parts, and crisp Imperial crown proofs. Collectors prize these early Army Pistole 08s for their limited production, superb fit, and their direct link to Georg Luger’s iconic toggle-lock design.
Condition
Good overall condition consistent with honest field and holster wear from more than a century of service and storage. The rust-blue finish displays scattered minor scratches, scuffs, and small blemishes without any aggressive corrosion. Strawed controls retain visible color. Bore is clean with sharp, well-defined lands and grooves; only light wear marks are present. All visible serialized parts—including barrel, receiver, toggle, and small components—match “3788,” confirming its integrity as a collector piece.
What’s Included
• Correct nickel-plated Luger magazine with plain wood base, appropriate to pre-1915 production.
• No modern accessories or aftermarket modifications—firearm remains in as-issued configuration.
Built on a robust steel frame and barrel, this Pistole 08 features:
• Short-recoil, toggle-locked action that made the Luger famous for reliability and mechanical elegance.
• 3.9″ forged barrel marked “8,83” gauge and crowned proof stamps.
• Fixed dovetail front blade and U-notch rear toggle sights regulated for typical 124 gr service loads.
• Checkered walnut grips that still fit tightly, providing secure purchase without chips or cracks.
• Thumb safety (“GESICHERT” exposed when safe) positioned for intuitive operation.
• Integral stock lug, allowing attachment of the period wooden shoulder stock for dual pistol-carbine capability—an option valued by reenactors and advanced collectors.
• Hold-open latch that locks the toggle to the rear on an empty magazine, a practical upgrade adopted for trench warfare speed reloads.
Every hallmark of pre-war DWM quality is present: finely polished surfaces under the blue, precise machining, and the famously smooth toggle cycle. As a high-value, factory-original example from 1913, it bridges the gap between the early commercial Lugers and the mass-issued wartime pistols, making it a standout centerpiece for any German military, Luger, or early semi-automatic collection.
If you’ve been waiting for a genuine pre-WWI Army Luger with matching numbers and transitional features, this 1913 DWM is a historically rich specimen ready to elevate your collection.