8/4/21 - This is a rare 1908 First Issue DWM military Luger with machine gun unit marking on front strap. There were only 25,000 1st issue examples produced, and roughly 6,000 were unit marked, so this is an interesting piece with a rich history. The first issue Lugers were the first military produced Lugers in 9mm, as this was one of the most requested changes in response to the earlier 1902 and 1906 models. The pistol is all matching and original with little actual bluing loss, but there is some patina on the straps and barrel, and freckling on the ears of the receiver. Minor oxidation is visible in a few areas as well. The front strap is unit marked '139.R.5.3', for 139th Infantry Regiment. The grips show some smoothing and handling wear, and are unmarked. The left panel may have had a bit of lacquer on it at some point, as well. Magazine is period original with mismatched wood base. Bore has good rifling but some frost through the grooves.
