*German, WW2, 1937 Dated Krieghoff P.08 Luger Pistol, Luftwaffe Contract, Serial 520, Matching Numbers, HK Anchor Toggle, Old Spec Deactivated*
An exceptionally desirable Second World War German P.08 Luger semi-automatic pistol manufactured in 1937 by Heinrich Krieghoff Waffenfabrik of Suhl, produced under Luftwaffe contract. Krieghoff was the primary supplier of Lugers to the German Luftwaffe during the early years of the Third Reich. Their pistols are widely regarded as among the finest examples of Luger manufacture, displaying a level of machining and finish more akin to commercial firearms than typical wartime mass production.
The pistol is chamber dated 1937 and retains the distinctive HK anchor Krieghoff crest above “KRIEGHOFF / SUHL” on the toggle link. The pistol is serial numbered 520, with matching numbers visible on the frame, barrel and barrel extension, together with the correct last-two-digit markings “20” on several smaller components including the side plate and trigger, indicating that the principal parts remain matching. Inspection marks are present to the right side of the receiver and barrel extension, together with eagle inspection stamps consistent with wartime German military manufacture. The pistol is chambered for 9mm Parabellum and fitted with the standard 100 mm (4 inch) barrel, fixed blade front sight and notch rear sight integral to the toggle assembly.
The accompanying magazine is a wartime example with aluminium base marked P08, together with the wartime subcontractor code fxo and Eagle / 37, identifying manufacture by C.G. Haenel of Suhl, one of the principal wartime producers of Luger magazines.
Krieghoff Lugers were produced in comparatively small numbers for the Luftwaffe and are today regarded as one of the most desirable variations of the P.08 pistol among collectors.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 10 cm. Overall length: 22 cm.
History Note:
The Luger P.08 pistol was one of the most recognisable German military sidearms of the twentieth century, developed at the turn of the century by Georg Luger and formally adopted by the German Army in 1908. Chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge, the Luger became renowned for its distinctive toggle-locked action, excellent balance, and high standard of manufacture. It served as Germany’s principal military pistol through the First World War and remained in widespread service during the Second World War.
During the early years of the Third Reich, most military Lugers were produced by the Mauser factory at Oberndorf under army contracts. However, the German Luftwaffe required an independent supply of pistols for its rapidly expanding air force and in 1935 placed a contract with Heinrich Krieghoff Waffenfabrik of Suhl, a prestigious sporting arms manufacturer already producing firearms for aviation personnel.
Krieghoff Lugers were produced in relatively small numbers compared with the vast Mauser output. Manufacture took place primarily between 1935 and the early years of the Second World War, with principal chamber dates of 1936, 1937 and 1938. Total production is generally estimated at roughly 13,000–14,000 pistols, making them far scarcer than standard Mauser-produced P.08 pistols.
Unlike many wartime military firearms, Krieghoff pistols were produced with particularly high standards of machining and finish, reflecting the company’s background as a maker of fine sporting guns. Their distinctive HK anchor toggle crest, careful machining and limited production have made them one of the most sought-after variations of the Luger pistol among collectors today.
Krieghoff Lugers were issued primarily to Luftwaffe officers, aircrew and ground personnel, and saw service throughout the early years of the Second World War before later wartime pistol production increasingly shifted to simpler designs such as the Walther P38.
*Condition*
The pistol has been deactivated to early UK specification (Old Spec) and is accompanied by the original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House certificate dated 17 November 1998. The pistol retains full mechanical function typical of early specification deactivations and: cocks. dry fires and field strips No firearms certificate is required to possess this item in the UK.A very well preserved example retaining a strong original finish and crisp markings throughout. The toggle crest and chamber date remain sharp and clearly defined, and the matching serial numbers are present across the principal components. The magazine is a correct wartime Haenel example. The pistol functions correctly within the limits of its deactivated status. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMCOOOXDEOO_1634234473
