Deactivated WWI Bulgarian contract PO8 Luger

This is an extremely rare plated WWI Bulgarian contract PO8 Luger that was designated as the M1911. Only two batches of 5,000 were produced by DWM starting with serial numbers from 1 – 5000 and 1C – 5000C. This example is from the first batch and is number 1974 and may have been a presentation Luger having been chrome plated . Unique to these pistols is the toggle that has the Bulgarian crest and the chamber the DWM logo. Also, on the right side of the receiver is the Bulgarian military acceptance mark, the Rampant Lion. Again only found on this model is the Cyrillic safety and extractor markings, both of which are present on this example. At the base of the pistol grip is a hole where the square lanyard loop was fitted.

Often overlooked Bulgaria were involved in WWI siding with the Central powers from 14 October 1915, when the country declared war on Serbia, until 30 September 1918.