Manufactured shortly before the outbreak of World War I and mechanically identical to the 1914 Military Luger, the 1914 Commercial Luger was intended for the German domestic market, and was the final pre-war commercial Luger. In addition to the traditional "crown/N" proofs, "DWM" monogrammed toggle and matching external numbers, this example was professionally inscribed "Utffz. Henning." on the left side of the frame. Cursory research turns up more than one Unteroffizier (Sergeant) Henning at the time of World War One, though the weapon may have been a presentation item or a privately purchased sidearm. The grips are checkered, with straw finished small parts, niter blue pins and springs, and two nickel finished magazines with unmarked wood bases. With a black leather flap holster signed to Henning inside the flap with no visible maker's marks, a barrel rod in a thin sleeve installed next to the magazine pouch, and a divided flap pouch containing a takedown/loading tool and a pin punch. This particular pistol is photographed on page 123 of Charles Kenyon's "Lugers at Random", representing the 1914 Luger as a whole, with the Henning inscription clearly displayed.

Very fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing some bright edge wear, light spotting and minor handling marks. 50% of the original straw colors are present on the small parts, with the grip screws showing a bright gray and strong blue on the springs and pins. The grips are good, with a few flat spots on the otherwise crisp checkering. The holster is fair, showing scuffing and cracking appropriate to age, with supple leather and solid stitching. Mechanically excellent.