Reportedly, the Russian Empire ordered 1,000 Model 1906 Lugers with 4 inch barrels chambered in 9 mm between 1906 – 1909, with a limited amount of surviving examples today. These are highly sought after by Luger collectors. This example is bearing serial number 718, with these numbered in their own range of 1-1000. Crossed Mosin-Nagant rifles marked on top of the chamber, Cyrillic safety and extractor markings, "Cal 9 m/m" restamped on the bottom of the walnut base of the magazine, DWM monogram on the front toggle link, DWM factory shield proof on the bottom of barrel. These Imperial Russian contract Lugers are rarely seen in any condition, as the small amount of them were issued and used throughout World War I where they were exposed to the harsh conditions of trench warfare. The Russian army was found to be unprepared at the outbreak of the war, as opposed to the German army, and suffered from logistical issues in part due to neglect from Russian planners and most of their munitions being supplied from the Allies. These Russian Lugers being chambered in 9mm shared the same ammunition as the German Lugers across the trenches. The very low survival rate is owed in part due to the high amount of casualties suffered by Russia during World War I and their likely involvement in multiple battles including the Russian invasion of East Prussia on August 17th, 1914 with the Battle of Salluponen, the Battle of Tannenburg, the Battle of Galicia, the Siege of Przemysl, the Battle of the Vistula River, the Battle of Lodz, the Carpathian Front, the Gorlice-Tarnow Offensive, the Battle of Sarikamish, the Battle of Erzurum, the Brusilov Offensive, and ending with the Kerensky Offensive in July of 1917. Matching full and partial serial numbers marked on various components, with unnumbered grips. Includes an extra blue finished magazine restamped "9 m/m" on bottom, and a very rare Imperial Russian military pattern pigskin leather holster. Another example of an identical Imperial Russian pigskin holster is pictured on page 1317 of "Pistole Parabellum Volume III" by Sturgess and Gortz.

Very good, exhibiting signs of genuine period use, with 30% original blue finish and brown patina on the balance, scattered patches of light to mild pitting, and defined markings in the metal. Replacement grips are very good with a small absent area below the safety lever and wear areas on the left panel, and defined checkering on the right panel. The takedown locking bolt is loose and the magazine is not able to be properly removed, otherwise the pistol is mechanically fine. Included holster is very fine. A truly rare Imperial Russian contract Luger with an unmistakable look of a gun that saw use in the trenches of World War I!