*German, WW2, 9mm Krieghoff Suhl PO8 Luger Automatic Pistol, Luftwaffe Contract, Dated 1940, Deactivated*
Serial number: 10869
4" Barrel Length
Marked on the toggle: smaller dagger/anchor flanked by the "H" and "K" Krieghoff trademark with "KRIEGHOFF SUHL" centered underneath
Marked top of the chamber: 1940 (Krieghoff with 4 Digit Date - Luftwaffe Contract Dated 1936-1945)
Marked underneath the barrel: 10869
Marked on LHS of the barrel: 10869
Marked on the RHS: 4 Krieghoff Proofs 1939-1945 (3 Eagle over 2 in a row and 4th below.)
Marked by the safety: GESICHERT, and safety has a visible 69 on it.
Marked on the magazine: Krieghoff Stamp over 122, 11052 (Aluminum Bottom, 1939-1945)
Marked on the side of the magazine: 122/E37 (Aluminum Bottom 1939-1945)
This is a Krieghoff-manufactured Luger, dated 1940. Produced in limited numbers, this Luger variant was primarily issued to Luftwaffe officers. In 1935, Krieghoff was contracted to supply 10,000 pistols to the German Luftsportverband, which later became the Luftwaffe. The majority of these pistols were delivered in 1936 and 1937, with an additional 2,200 provided in small batches as parts were depleted. By 1940, with increased demand for sidearms, Krieghoff had around 1,000 assembled but unfinished pistols and enough parts for another 1,000. Thus, production resumed, and serial numbers from 10,000 to 10,999 were assigned to these early 1940 production guns. The expanding Luftwaffe, which included not only the air force but also anti-aircraft units and paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger), drove the need for increased delivery.
This 9mm Luger has a 100mm barrel and displays the Krieghoff Suhl logo on the front link. The pistol has the distinctive Krieghoff blue finish and straw colored small parts. It features a 'v' notch rear sight, a full bladed inverted 'v' front sight, and a stock lug. The pistol has all matching serial numbers (except for the magazine) and the Eagle 2 proof mark. It is fitted with checkered black plastic grips. It is complete with a blued magazine (non matching serial number) marked on its side with "122/eagle/37" with the center pinned aluminum base.
Originally developed by Georg Luger, an engineer for Berlin arms maker Ludwig Loewe & Co., the Luger P08 is perhaps the most famous of all Luger pistols. It became the standard German military sidearm in 1908 and remained so until the Walther P38 was adopted before World War II. Production of the P08 continued until 1943, and it remained popular among German troops. Krieghoff as makers of huntsman's guns were renowned for their production of high quality firearms.
*Condition*
Good used condition. Deactivated. Some signs of wear and tear commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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