This is a highly desirable example of a early "P" code series commercial contract Luger that has the desirable Krieghoff "Side Frame Inscription" markings. Additionally, it has a five-digit serial number; as discussed on page 196 of Gibson's "The Krieghoff Parabellum", the five-digit pistols are actually three-digit serial numbers (pulled out of sequence from the early Series I P-prefix commercial Lugers) with a two-digit prefix believed to be some manner of code. The precise meaning of this code ("11", "28" and "29" observed by Gibson) is unknown, and a very limited number (estimated at 10) were produced. Additionally, this pistol has the very desirable three-line Krieghoff side frame markings that consist of "Heinrich Krieghoff/Waffenfabrik/Suhl". The full serial number is present on the front of the frame, and "21923" is on the barrel extension and base of the magazine. The Luftwaffe "five-pointed star" rejection mark is present on the right side of the extension on the unnumbered firing pin, takedown lever, gear lever under unnumbered side plate with commercial "crown/N" proofs on the barrel, extension, frame, underneath middle toggle link and breechblock, and a Luftwaffe "eagle/2" on the unnumbered trigger, toggle link, firing pin underside of the barrel. The front toggle link bears a C-2 Type "H(anchor)K/KRIEGHOFF/SUHL" stamp. The side plate is configured for use with a police-style takedown safety. The small parts are straw-finished, with niter blue on the magazine catch, pins and springs, with a pair of brown checkered grips and a nickel-finished alloy magazine. An extra, unmarked magazine is included, as is a brown leather flap holster with no visible markings and a faint painted emblem; the emblem appears to be that of the 11th Armored Division. Active from August 1942 to August 1945, the 11th arrived at Normandy in December of 1944 and participated in the drive through France and Belgium, through Germany itself, and straight on until meeting the Soviets in Austria, seeing regular contact with the enemy including at the Battle of the Bulge, a soldier or officer with the unit would have had multiple chances to take this weapon as a field souvenir.

Excellent, with 98% of the totally original blue finish, showing some light wear and handling marks overall. The grips are excellent, with sharp checkering, and the small parts show 90% plus original straw color and 70% plus niter blue, with a mixed patina on the remainder. The holster is very good, with some light scuffing and handling marks. Mechanically excellent.