Operating out of his home workshop in Roseville, California, John V. Martz (1924-2013) was best known for his alterations and upgrades of Luger and P-38 pistols, all of which were performed by him and often took several months of complete. He had served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and later had a career as a metalworker before turning his hobby as a gunsmith into a full-time venture. Manufactured using a combination of new-made components and vintage Luger parts, this pistol takes an overall form and configuration similar to a Imperial German Navy Pattern Luger, up-sized to run the larger .45 ACP cartridge. Features fixed blade front and notch rear sights, "2002" date on top of the extension, "crown/N" proof on the left side of the extension, "JVM" marked on the front toggle link, "MSTR" on the left frame rail for Martz Safe Toggle Release mechanism (which converts the safety switch into a dual purpose safety and toggle release lever), "74" and "JVM" in an oval under the sideplate on the frame. Fitted with a pair of checkered oiled walnut grips with attractive contrasting grain, with matching serial numbers, oval "JVM", and "CKS" marked on the underside of each. Includes an extra bright magazine with oiled hardwood base marked "2" and "JVM", takedown tool, an extra pair of checkered walnut grips, and a signed John V. Martz letter dated November 27, 2003, which includes the detail that he had made 80 such pistols at that point but did not plan on making any more.

Very fine as professionally custom upgraded to current configuration by John V. Martz, retaining 98% plus factory quality blue finish and 60% plus straw colors with limited minor edge wear and handling marks. The grips are also very fine with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. J.V. Martz .45 ACP Luger pistols are difficult to come by, especially a late production example such as this!