This is truly a rare example of an excellent, original 1934 Mauser production, "K" date "S/42" code military Luger pistol with very rare "Kriegsmarine" Navy proofs marks. The "K Date" P.08 Lugers were manufactured in 1934 and represent the very first true German Army Luger contract pistol. This specific example is even rarer in that it has the very desirable engraved "Eagle/M" Navy proof on the left side of the frame with the Naval property markings (O.1959) on the front grip strap. The "K" was the secret wartime code by the Mauser factory to conceal Germany's rearmament in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. These early Wehrmacht P.08 pistols have an extremely low survival rate as almost all saw extensive service use, an example in original condition are among the most desirable Nazi Luger pistols. This example is classified as a Sub-variation 2 that has the mixed script and gothic markings. There were only 3,550 total of this variation produced out of the estimated 10,930 K-Date luger pistols. This example has the standard Script "K" date mark on top of the chamber area with the mixed Script/Gothic "S/42" on top of the front toggle with the Gothic "S" marked toggle. It has standard military marked serial number on the major parts with the mixed Script/Gothic proof marks. These pistols are found in the 1,700-5,250 serial number range, putting this example about in the middle of the production. There were only about 300 Navy Lugers procured from this variation and they are found in the "1,983-2,400" number range, putting this at the end of the Navy serial number range. The front grip strap is also marked with "O.1959" property markings indicating it was issued out of the Baltic Naval station headquartered at Kiel (Marinestation der Ostsee). This serial number and production data is also listed on page 15 and 106 of Jan Stills book on "Third Reich Lugers". The left side of the barrel has the early boxed "O/37" acceptance stamps as used by the Navy along with an early Mauser Eagle firing proof, located on the right side of the barrel extension. The pistol has a "Type 1 Army" magazine with a nickel-plated magazine body with an aluminum base stamped with a Gothic "S/2182/+/O/37" acceptance proof.

Excellent with 95% of the original blued finish overall, with wear on the edges and high spots, the sideplate hump and muzzle. The various smaller parts retain 85% of their original straw colors overall. The grips are in excellent condition with nice checkering on both side with the checkering having been carefully refreshened. An excellent early example of a 1934 date Navy "K" date Luger pistol.