Manufactured in the 1930s, this would have been among the first Luger pistols manufactured after the transfer of parts and tooling from BKIW (Berlin-Karlsruher Industrie-Werke, the holding company that absorbed DWM in the 1920s) to Mauser for continued production. This particular pistol is photographed and identified by serial number on page 279 of the book "Weimar and Early Nazi Lugers and Their Accessories" by Jan Still, where it is noted as among the earliest made by Mauser, with the "v" letter suffix continuing after the "u" suffix on the tail end of DWM's production. The pistol is also photographed and identified in Still's "Third Reich Lugers and Their Accessories" on page 223. The timing of production would have been before a contract was established between Mauser and A.F. Stoeger for bringing Lugers into the United States, and the markings suggest that it was made for the European market; while the history of this pistol went undocumented, Lugers in America without import marks are often associated with GI bring-backs from World War II. Blade front and notch rear sights, with the "DWM" monogram still on the toggle link, "crown/N" commercial proofs on the barrel and receiver, and matching external serial numbers in the "commercial" pattern. The pins and springs are finished in a rich niter blue, and the small parts are straw colored. Fitted with a set of checkered grips and a nickel finished magazine with blank hardwood base.

Excellent, with 99% original blue finish, showing some bright edge wear, along with some mild handling marks and a few hints of brown patina. 85% original straw and niter blue colors are present on the small parts, and the grips show a few light dings and dents. Mechanically excellent. Certainly the best and earliest first issue Mauser Luger we have ever sold. Just look at the hand made quality and superb crisp original grips!