Manufactured in 1916, the Artillery Luger, aka the Long Pistol 1908, was originally conceived as a sidearm for weapon crews, giving them a weapon compact enough to not be a burden but more potent and versatile than a standard pistol. The weapon also found a niche among the "Stormtrooper" trench assault units, as well as being tested as an aircraft weapon. While the "Red Nine" marking was only mandated for the Mauser Broomhandle (as the military had purchased both 7.63mm and 9mm Broomhandles and soldiers needed a ready way to tell them apart in less than ideal conditions), many Lugers are known to bear the mark, likely due to unit armorers erring on the side of caution and over-applying the rule. This particular Luger can be seen on page 447 of the first volume of "Pistole Parabellum" (later reprinted as "Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols" due to publishing disputes) by Joachim Goertz and Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess, as part of a discussion of the "Red Nine" Luger. Notes provided by the consignor also attribute this as being the former personal property of Dr. Sturgess; while not documented, Sturgess is known as one of the most prolific collectors of Lugers in Europe, and many of the items photographed for the book were from his personal collection. Fine adjustable blade front and tangent rear sights, with the chamber dated "1917" and the toggle marked "DWM". The right side of the barrel extension bears the three "crown/gothic letter" proofs, with the Imperial Eagle firing proof on the extension, barrel and breechblock. External numbers, including those on the front sight and magazine, are matching. The grips bear prominent branded and filled "9" marks, and the magazine is nickel finished with a hardwood base.

Very fine with 85% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, mild spotting, light handling marks and bright edge wear. 70% of the bright straw colors are present, with a gray patina and mild spotting on the remainder, and about half of the niter blue is present. The grips are also very fine with some minor dings and dark spots. Mechanically excellent.