This is a 7.65mm Parabellum 1908 Model manufactured by Simson with the 98mm (4") Barrel that was designed for commercial sales and export.  This is a very early Simson assembled gun and chronicles the beginning of the Simson period from 1922-1932.

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Manufacturer:  Simson & Co, Suhl

Proofs:  Early Simson, Eagle 6  

1854 the brothers Löb und Moses Simson bought one third of a steel hammer in Suhl (Germany). There the production of charcoal steel began and the firm Simson & Co. was founded 1856. The following years they produced guns and gun barrels. An October 19, 1922 decree by the Prussian Ministry of the Interior ordered a major rework of various weapons, including the P-08 to begin at the Simson plant in Suhl.

This is a 1923 Model Simson. It is Eagle 6 Simson proofed and there is no chamber date. Other than the 1st Toggle these parts do not bear any DWM proofs or markings making this a Simson manufactured Luger.    The parts are marked in a commercial (hidden) manner and there are no military proofs (Weimar) making this, along with the export stamp a commercial gun designed for export.

Reportedly contracted in 1922 as the only "Official" supplier of the Luger under the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, Simson & Co., began by assembling parts from DWM & the Royal Arsenal at Erfurt for the civilian and then military (Weimar) contracts.

ABOVE:  The Circle S is recognized by some as the early Simson proof.  Others, due to the lack of documentation have questioned this proofed, here is appears to apply identify the gun and is in consonance with the other proofs.

LEFT: Note the Eagle 6 Proof on the barrel.  The suffix on the frame would indicate that the frame was originally manufactured for a military sale and then the remainder of the gun was assembled for commercial sale.

BELOW:  Stage I & Stage II Eagle 6 proofs of the Simson & Suhl Company.

 See Kenyon "Lugers at Random" Page 221

It is entirely subjective to give any Luger a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few Lugers are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder.  We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria. If you need additional pictures to complete your buying decisions then direct Questions to: josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com

LAYAWAYS:  Sometimes our "significant other" doesn't understand the beauty, craftsmanship and investment potential of one of these investor grade weapons.  In these circumstances where discretion becomes the better part of valor we will accept layaways of up to one year with at least 20% down and some activity occurring monthly to insure that after one year the sale is completed.  Cancellations of layaways forfeit 33% if done within two months, otherwise 100%. You can transfer a layaway to a consignment sale at any time. See "Legal" for exact terms.

See Credits, Bibliography, Notices and Disclaimers.

3 Day Return Policy

We honor a three day return policy. We will answer any questions, send you any pictures, as detailed as you want, to insure that what we are showing you is what you want to see, before you buy it.  See Legal.

FIRING ANY WEAPON NEGATES ANY CHANCE OF RETURN!

WARNING: We do not represent these guns as safe to fire. They are not test fired before sale; they are sold as collectibles only. Prior to firing you should have it inspected by a qualified individual and abide by all safety requirements.