This could quite possibly be the finest Luger we have ever offered for auction. This exact Luger is photographed on pages 208, 209 and 211 of the "Krieghoff Parabellum" by Randall Gibson. This pistol as noted in the referenced book, is theorized to be "One of Three" factory presentations Luger that were lavishly engraved, fitted with a set of carved ivory presentation grips and fitted into a special walnut display case. The two other Lugers that were considered as part of this original grouping were found at the Krieghoff factory in Suhl after the war while the third example went missing for years. It is assumed that all three were intended as special Presentation pistols for high ranking German/Nazi officials or specifically for Herman Goering himself, as Goering had close ties to the Krieghoff factory. A copy of a letter dated March 29, 1979 from a former owner of the gun sent to an individual in Midland , Texas, briefly describes the gun and states on page two that "This Luger was purchased from the estate of a close personal friend of General Eisenhower, who obtained it as a gift from the General. At the time it was represented as being one of several owned by Goering. I might further add that the gift was made while General Eisenhower was still in Europe." All three of these pistols have similar embellishments and engraving with slightly different markings and factory finishes. It appears that the other two were also early "P-Code" series 1 Lugers, same as this one, except those had a side frame inscription while this one does not. This pistol is lavishly engraved on over 90% of the entire pistol with a fantastic example of the traditional deep relief, German Oak Leaf and Acorn pattern, with a punch dot back ground with a delicate geometric engraved pattern for the border. The only section of the Luger not engraved is the short center or middle section of the barrel. The layout and level of detail is just phenomenal, superbly executed with minute detail with no over runs or mistakes anywhere, typical German fashion. The actual engraving covers the front and rear grip straps, the sides of the frame, the top of the breech block and toggle assembly, front and rear section of the barrel and the top and sides of the barrel extension. As noted the pistol has been fitted with a set of rear ivory grip panels that have a matching Germanic Oak Leaf and Acorn pattern carved into the grips themselves, which have then been filled with a black enamel in the background to accentuate the detail of the carving. Obviously the final finish is an original gold plated wash that covers the entire pistol. Due to the extensive amount of engraving and embellishment, the only markings on the pistol are the full serial number on the front of the frame, the late "P" type Krieghoff Markings on top of the front toggle assembly with the extractor and safety marked "GELADEN and GESICHERT" respectively. The only proof marks on the pistol are a single "crown N" proof on the underside of the barrel and left side of the extension with a single Eagle 2 Luftwaffe proof on the side of the breech block and the backside of the side plate hump. The pistol is complete with two Gold plated magazines, both unmarked and un-proofed aluminum based magazines, a gold plated takedown tool and the actual walnut display case that the pistol is housed in.

Excellent condition with 98% plus of the original gold plated finish remaining, with just a hint of wear present on the edges or high spots where it came into contact with the case. There is still evidence of the plating down the bore, so more than likely it's never been fired. The walnut case is also in excellent condition with nice tight corners and edges with just minor scratches on the outside. For a true collector, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.