Rare Mauser Banner P.08 with Austrian Bundes Heer (Federal Army) "Eagle BH" markings. The pistol has the Mauser "Banner" on the front toggle link and the Austrian "Eagle BH" Army markings on the left side of the frame directly below the takedown lever and next to an Austrian eagle proof. A commercial, "Eagle/N" proofmark is stamped in front of the serial number on the left side of the frame. The matching serial number is also located on the front of the frame and the magazine bottom. The partial serial number "65" is stamped on both toggle links the lock bolt, side plate and takedown lever. Grips are unnumbered checkered walnut. The extractor and safety are marked "GELADEN" and "GESICHERT" respectively and the back strap is cut for a stock. The magazine has a blued body with a retaining pin through the center of the bottom piece. The pistol has a salt blue finish with blued small components. The Austrian Government purchased a small amount of these Lugers for experimental purposes circa 1934 to 1936. The pistol is accompanied by a letter (translated to English) from the Commissioner of Ordnance, Vienna, Austria, dated 1965 which briefly describes the history of these pistols and states that 48 of these pistols were originally purchased of which 42 were accounted for. The writer states that he believes the other 6 fell into "sticky" hands and he believes the remainders were forgotten in an arsenal where they outlasted the war.

Excellent. The pistol retains 98% original blue finish with muzzle and high edge wear, and some thinning on the grip straps. There are a few minor dings and scratches on the left side of the frame. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered minor dents and dings, some minor wear and crisp checkering. The markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. A very nice example of a scarce, variation of Mauser Luger pistol.