1915 DWM Artillery Luger 20a Serial Number 9mm

This 1915 production DWM Artillery Luger is an excellent example of the 1914 Artillery long pistol known as the LP 08. This infamous parabellum pistol is chambered in 9mm and wears an 8 in barrel (200mm). This pistol is a serial number of “20a” . Military Lugers were numbered 1 –10000.  After that the production reset by adding a suffix (1a, 2a, 3a etc.). Austrian Georg Luger, the namesake and designer of the Luger, took inspiration from the C-93 a semi-automatic pistol developed by Hugo Borchardt. Ultimately this precision firearm became the standard side arm of the German armed forces. 

Finished in blue throughout the frame and barrel, this luger shows off its small parts in straw colored finish.  It’s wearing a set of checkered walnut grips. Overall, the finish on this Lange Pistole 08 is in great condition. It shows its age well, with a deep blue finish with some surface handling marks and pitting. Some marks associated with cycling can be seen as well. The straw-colored parts show a finish thinning overall, and slightly dull. The leading edges show sharpness with minimal silvering. The locking bolt, magazine catch, adjustable sight, rear toggle link all shows sharp checkering on their respective locations. 

As noted above this luger has a serial number of “20a” and between the small parts, adjustable sight, inner grip panels, barrel, and frame are matching as seen in the photos. The left side of the frame is marked “GESICHERT” meaning “secure” under the thumb safety switch. The right side of the frame wears the production proofs and the military acceptance marks and test proof on the barrel. The top strap of the Luger shows the chamber date of “1915” and the scroll abbreviated insignia “DWM” of “Deutsche Waffen und Munitionfabriken” on the rear toggle link. The underside of the barrel shows the serial number above a script “a” and “8.83”. Under the barrel on the frame the serial number is seen above another script “a”.

The muzzle shows slight silvering on the right side, while the barrel retains a smooth blue finish. The front sight, a screw adjustable blade, with ramped and serrated back side shows sharp leading edges. The front sight shows its matched serial number on the left top side. The adjustable rear sight is serial number matched on the top right and left sides.

The walnut grip panels are serial matched to the luger, noted on the inner panels on both right and left grips. The checkering shows sharp throughout both sides, minimal if any flattening can be seen and the edges are without any chips or cracks. The walnut has a slight shine, due to use and age. The back strap shows a smooth finish with minor marks. The front strap and trigger guard are smooth, with minimal wear associated to common use.

The magazine is marked “56” and has dark wood bottoms and metal crimped sleeves. The wood bottom shows some chipping around the edges. Overall, this would be an excellent addition to any luger collection or those interested in WWI era small arms. An early  1915 DWM Artillery Luger, showing its 100+ years very well.