Deactivated Very Rare WWI German Model of 1908 Luger issued to Machine Gun Regiment

This is an exceedingly rare WWI German PO8 Luger that was issued to the "83.R.M.G.16" - 83rd Machine Gun Regiment, weapon number 16. Manufactured by DWM (Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken) as "Pistole Parabellum Military Luger model of 1908", this model of Luger was only made from 1908 until 1909 after which the date of manufacture was added either to the top of the receiver or the left side of the frame. It is refered to as, the 1908 Military model and has many unique features for example, it has the military proof marks stamped on the left side of the receiver where typicially the serial number is placed. Unlike all other military variants of the Luger, there is no date stamp on the receiver ring - a feature unqiue to this model. Note the pistol grip has no shoulder stock slot, again correct for this model. The serial number has no letter suffix meaning this is pistol number 1,768th from that years production. It is estimated that only 4,000 to 5,000 were made of which only 2% are estimated to have been regimentally marked, thats around 80 to 100 pistols in total!!!

The 83rd Machine Gun Regiment were involved in some of the most famous battles of WWI seeing action from 1914 until 1918. The battle of Lodz, Lemburg, Verdun, Soissons and Champagne to name but a few. This Luger would have been involved in many of those battles - if only it could speak, what must it have seen!!!

A very rare Luger worthy of any collection.