This is an example of a early 1923 Dutch Naval contract Luger that was produced by the DWM factory. These early Dutch Lugers are scarce in their own right as most were sent to the Dutch East Indies with all seeing heavy use in the tropics or were captured by the Japanese at the start of WWII, with most never returned. The navy marked versions are even more rare and very seldom encountered. On this example the front grip strap is correctly inscribed "K.M" for "Koninklijke Marine", or the Royal Netherlands Navy. This is not the same as the later Dutch Banner Lugers made in the late 1930s or those produced by Vickers Ltd. This example is the first contract version which has a blank chamber area with the "DWM" markings on the first toggle. The extractor is correctly marked "GELADEN" with the upper safety area correctly stamped "RUST". The left side of the barrel extension has been renumbered to match the frame and it is stamped with a single Crown/N commercial proof which is fitted with an unnumbered or proofed barrel. The breech block has a single Crown/N proof on the left side. It is numbered in the commercial manner with the full serial number on the front of the frame with the last two digits of the serial number on some of the various smaller parts. It is fitted with a set of standard walnut grips and comes with a single magazine that has a polished steel magazine body with an unmarked wooden base.

Very good as assembled (barrel and extension refinished/replaced, unserialized) with balance of the pistol retaining half of the faded blue finish with edge and high spot wear with some scratches on the sides of the frame rails. The smaller parts retain 40% of their straw colors. As noted the barrel and barrel extension have been renumbered and refinished to match the frame and the trigger has also been restamped. The walnut grips are in very good condition with nice visible checkering on both sides showing wear across the tops of the checkering.