This is a fine representative example of a DWM Model 1908 Bulgarian contract Luger semi-automatic pistol. There were exactly 10,000 of these pistol ordered by Bulgaria in the 1908-10 time frame that were delivered in two different serial number blocks, with this specific pistol being delivered in the second block of serial numbers as it has the small letter "c" suffix. Although produced in fairly large numbers these are a very difficult example to obtain in original unaltered condition as they saw heavy used in both the WWI and prewar era with most having been rebuilt at least once or twice by DWM and then again after WWII when most of them were captured by the Russians. These can be easily identified as the chamber and toggle markings are reversed, with the DWM scroll monogram over the chamber with the unique Bulgarian Crest and on the front toggle. This crest consists of the Bulgarian Crown over a shield with a standing/Rampant Lion inside. The right side of the barrel extension is stamped with a single "Bulgarian Rampant Lion" acceptance/proofmark with no other acceptance proofs anywhere. The extractor and the lower safety area of the frame are both marked in Cyrillic lettering respectively meaning "LOADED" and "SAFE". The full serial number "479c" is stamped on the front of the receiver and the underside of the barrel, with the partial serial number "79" stamped on the breechblock, rear toggle, trigger, takedown lever, and side plate with the replaced original finish front toggle link stamped with number "49". The pistol frame has the distinctive Bulgarian lanyard loop on the bottom of the rear grip strap. It has standard unnumbered walnut grips with a standard 1908 pattern magazine that has the nickel plated magazine body with the unnumbered and unproofed wooden base.

Fine with replaced front toggle link with 60% plus of the original blue finish remaining overall with edge and high spot wear with light blue loss on the muzzle area, front edges of the frame rails with more blue loss and scratching down the left side frame rail from a holster tab. The grip straps have oxidized slightly and are mixed with a brown patina on the rear strap with some blue loss on the very front underside area of the front strap. The smaller parts retain 30% of their original straw colors overall with slightly more in the protected areas of some parts. The grips are in fair condition with some visible checking on the upper and lower areas of the grip panels with the front edges of both sides having the checkering worn off. Although it appears to the average collector that this is a somewhat down condition Luger, in actuality it is a scarce, way above average condition 1908 Bulgarian Contract Luger.