This is a 1921 dated model DWM (Deutsches Waffen Und Munitionsfabriken Co) Manufactured Pistole-08. The chamber marking represent the alleged military contract year of production and this example is a 1921 dated Luger. This is a 9mm Luger made for the Weimar Republic by DWM under the auspices of the Treaty of Versailles.     [549]

The barrel length is 4" (98mm) and is chambered for 9mm.  The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the left side of the receiver, under the barrel and the last two digits on most small parts. All serials matching.

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This weapon has the stock lug and clean walnut grips. The extractor is marked "Geladen" on the left side and the safety is marked "Gesichert" with the safe position being downward.  The gun is very clean showing slight  wear on the muzzle, the side plate and front part of rails. The grips are checkered walnut and are tight to the gun.

The 1921 Weimar Luger is characterized by the 9mm  4" (98mm) barrel,  the rear "V" cut fixed and front dovetailed sight and the frame with the stock lug.  Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style; displayed on the left side of the receiver, the side plate, the locking bolt, the sear bar safety, the extractor, the forward toggle link, the front of the frame, under the barrel, and on the side of the trigger.

Here you can see the date 1921 and the barrel proof.

The proofs always tell the story and in this case we can see three proofs that are all 1926 proofs. The first proof is the Waffen Amt office that was not formed until 1926 at which time the AYA4 was replaced with the WaA4

The second proof is the 1926 DWM "Dove of Peace" Waffen Amt (straight wings)  proof which were models issued to special police forces guarding military installation.

Finally is the military/police receiver eagle which again is a 1926 WaA4 proof.

Constanzo in World of Lugers Proof Marks (Page 93) tells us that the 1921 date was retained for later year production to conceal the number of weapons produced during the enforcement of the Treaty of Versailles by the Control Commission

After the end of WWI and the weapons limitations imposed by  the Treaty of Versailles DWM began limited production. The nominal "Commercial" serial number range began around #75,000 and contained many 1920 and 1921 Lugers in both 7.65mm and 9mm.

The dated Lugers in 9mm are mostly found in the no-suffix or "a" and 'b" suffix and bear the Eagle AYA4 or Eagle WaA4.   The 1926 Proofs (Eagle Waffen Amt office 4) indicate Lugers that were produced in the late 1920's but dated 1921 to fool the Versailles Control Commission.

THE STORY OF THE PROOFS - Most Lugers tell you where they have been and when.  This Luger appears to have been manufactured in 1926 but has been stamped 1921 in the then effort to confuse the Treaty of Versailles Control Commission. It has the military proofs and no police markings so although it could have been issued to either the military or the police most likely it was the military which got this Luger.

Here you can see the inside of the gun is clean;  the magazine is the correct blued style for the 1920's See Kenyon's Lugers at Random, Page 178

This is a good variation in excellent condition with all the basic Weimar proofs.  This Luger is offered for $1,875.00 over the counter.    Questions to: josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com