This is a very nice example of a late production, first issue, Model 1908 Military contract Luger pistol that was manufactured by the Erfurt factory. These 1908 Model Lugers were the first military Lugers and were made from approximately 1911 to 1913. They can be easily distinguished by the lack of the stock lug on the rear of the grip strap and no magazine hold-open. This example is a late 1913 production that was probably returned to the factory and was modified by the addition of the hold-open device. The top of the chamber area is stamped 1913 and it has the standard DWM marking on the front toggle. The right side of the barrel extension has the three standard Crown/Script letter proofs next to the Imperial Eagle proof. It is numbered in the military fashion with the frame, left side of the barrel extension and underside of the barrel correctly stamped with the full serial number and the remaining small parts are stamped with only the last two digits (26) of the serial number. These Erfurt produced Lugers typically were stamped with either a Crown over a script letter or "RC" Erfurt inspector proofs on the various small parts and this example is exactly like that. It has the original rust blued finish with the straw colored small parts. Currently it is complete with a nickel-plated magazine with the original wooden base that is marked with "Crown/D Script letter proof/6786/a/Crown C Script letter Proof".

Excellent with 98% of the original blue finish overall with wear on the edge and high spots, with some old touch up blue on the muzzle area. The various small parts retain 90% of their straw colors overall. The walnut grips are in excellent condition overall with nice distinct checkering showing minor handling marks. It has matching numbers except the magazine as noted above. A nice example of an early Erfurt Luger pistol.