*Imperial German, WW1, Luger P.08 Pistol, 9mm, Regimental Marking “83.R.M.G.16.”, Original Magazine, Deactivated*
A scarce and highly desirable Imperial German Luger P.08 pistol, chambered in 9mm Parabellum and bearing the rare and collectable regimental unit marking “83.R.M.G.16.” to the front grip strap, identifying issue to the Machine Gun Company of the 83rd Reserve Infantry Regiment. This example, serial number 1768, measures approx. 21cm overall with a 10cm barrel, and retains its original nickel-plated magazine with wooden base.
The pistol displays correct DWM (Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken A.G.) toggle monogram and matching numbered parts throughout, highlighting its authenticity as a true First World War service arm. Surviving regimentally marked Lugers are extremely scarce, with most being lost in action or later scrubbed of their unit stamps during reissue in the inter-war years. To find an example with a crisp regimental marking, original grips, and its proper magazine makes this piece an exceptional addition to any serious WW1 collection.
The DWM toggle monogram, the regimental marking to the grip strap and the low four-digit serial number all firmly place this pistol securely within the 1915–1917 wartime production window of Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken, Berlin.
Deactivated in 2022, this Luger conforms to the latest EU/UK 2018 specification, with its toggle and trigger still operable but the pistol rendered completely inert. A fine opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic and historic handguns of the Great War, enhanced by its direct link to a frontline machine gun company.
Historical Note:
The Luger P.08 was officially adopted by the German Army in 1908 and became the most recognisable pistol of the First World War. Produced primarily by Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken A.G. (DWM) and the Erfurt Imperial Arsenal, the P.08 combined precision engineering with a distinctive toggle-lock action that set it apart from other semi-automatic pistols of the era. DWM, based in Berlin, was one of Germany’s foremost arms makers, responsible for pioneering cartridges such as the 7.92×57mm Mauser and 9mm Parabellum, and for producing the bulk of Imperial Germany’s Lugers. The elegant “DWM” scroll monogram on the toggle is the maker’s mark of this prestigious firm.
By 1914, the Luger was standard issue to the Imperial German Army, widely used by officers, NCOs, and machine gun crews. The unit marking “83.R.M.G.16.” identifies this pistol as belonging to the 83rd Reserve Infantry Regiment’s Machine Gun Company, weapon number 16. Machine gun detachments were central to trench warfare, operating Maxim MG08s and providing devastating defensive fire. Lugers issued to MG teams offered a compact and reliable sidearm for crews working these heavy weapons. Surviving, regimentally marked Lugers provide a tangible connection to the men who fought on the Western Front, and are prized by collectors for their rarity and provenance.
*Condition*
This Luger remains in good original condition, showing honest service wear consistent with front-line issue. The pistol retains much of its original blued finish with areas of thinning and patina. The toggle link carries the correct DWM monogram, and the grip strap regimental marking “83.R.M.G.16.” is crisp and well-defined. The chequered walnut grips are original, displaying light handling wear with a small age-related chip. The safety lever is correctly marked “GESICHERT” and still shows traces of its original straw-coloured temper finish. Additional Birmingham Nitro Proof and EU deactivation stamps are present to the barrel and frame, confirming post-war proofing and legal compliance. The serial number “1768” is clearly struck on the frame, with smaller numbered parts consistent with period manufacture. Importantly, the pistol retains its original nickel-plated magazine with wooden base, showing age but intact. The pistol is complete with a Birmingham Proof House deactivation certificate to current EU/UK 2018 specification.
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