Manufactured during the final days of the Portuguese monarchy, between 1908 (the ascension of King Manuel II) and 1910 (the deposition of Manuel II) and the establishment of the Republic of Portugal). These were made specifically for the Royal Portuguese Army. There were approximately 5,000 made in total under this contract with this model being easily identified as the chamber area is marked with the royal Portuguese crown above an "M2" royal cipher. The Royal cipher is the early pattern used on Lugers below serial number 3000, and this Luger is pictured and identified on page 521 of Gortz and Sturgess' "Pistole Parabellum" (Vol. II). Fixed sights, circled triangle army acceptance marks on the barrel, barrel extension and frame, and "DWM" marked front toggle link. The extractor is marked "CARREGADA", and the lower safety marking is polished blank. Fitted with straw finished small parts, checkered walnut grips and a nickel magazine with the circled triangle army acceptance mark on the walnut base. Matching visible serial numbers on various components including the inside of both grip panels, with an unnumbered magazine. Included with the lot is a Portuguese military pattern black leather cowhide flap holster with army arsenal stamp "A.E" (Arsenal de Ejercito) on the rear next to handwritten "3a/2o", and containing a pin punch.

Very fine, retains 70% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the grip straps, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. 50% original straw colors remain on the small parts. Grips are fine with some light handling marks and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Included holster is fine with light edge wear.