1918 Artillery Double Date


This is the classic WWI artillery model with the 9 position adjustable rear sight and the front adjustable sight. Designed as a carbine for the Navy it was adopted by the Army to support the machine gun and artillery crews. The "official" years of production were from 1914-1918 although rare models dated 1913 have appeared indicating that production was underway before the official date.


The front site is dovetailed fixed with the standard sight blade. Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The serial number bears a suffix which places it in the military series, probably produced just after the war but not yet accepted by the military acceptance office. This Luger has all matching numbers. The barrel is numbered and scored and matches the frame.

Sometimes in examination people think the leaf site is bent. However, when raising the site to the full 800 meter position reveals a 7° left movement. This design compensates for the rifling on the 200 mm barrel which gives the bullet a twist in flight and if properly adjusted will permit a corrected point of impact. Another example of the Luger's engineering.


The frame has the stock lug and the thumb safety. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen". The safe position is down (when the sear bar lever is up). The barrel is numbered and proofed to the weapon. The gun has all matching serial numbers and the magazine is matching.


The inside of the gun shows very good care for a 90+ year old gun. The condition of the gun is very good and barrel is well defined. This a collector grade double date and complete the collections of most artillery collectors.
The Double Date: The new (Weimar) German Government after WWI found itself with an armed citizenry with all the soldiers bringing their weapons home from the war. On August 1st, 1920 the German authorities issued an order from Berlin that cited the impending disarming of the people required that all weapons of the armed forces were to be marked with the date to prevent people from stealing military supplies and selling them back to the government.
	Then on August 7th, 1920 the Disarming-of-the-People Law set forth a reward of 100 Marks, (then about $23.50), were given for small arms until October 10th at which time the award was reduced to 50 Marks. This began the disarming of the German people, paving the way for seizing all the private weapons. When the Nazi's came to power the government controlled all the guns. Subjugation of the people was simple at that point. This is a lesson for all of us.


The history of this gun must be surmised from the proofs. The WWI Parabellum were Imperial proofed with the Crown over the Inspectors initials along with Imperial heraldic proofs on the right side of the receiver. This Luger, while military dated, with military serial numbers and showing a "C" suffix to place it early in 1918 does not have the military acceptance stamps..
The barrel and frame match and the last two digits of the serial number appear throughout the gun.	This Parabellum is all matching in the "c" suffix range with no military acceptance proofs. However the 1920 date is not factory applied because of the strike over on the 2 in the 1920 would suggest it was applied locally in accordance with the German law. Then on the left rail there is a "Germany" indicating that the weapon after being brought into the Weimar inventory was released for export. In any case its travels have not placed it in military service leaving the barrel in excellent shape.
	Rare is a superlative that appears in many narratives describing the Luger. This Double Date Artillery Model is all-matching, with matching magazine. The circumstances to occur to provide a double date makes it a very unique variation. However, sometimes the Luger just speaks for itself and this one is shouting.
The 1920's Commercial Artillery models are devoid of the usually military proofs that you find on the 1914-1918 200mm dated Parabellum's. However, this gun doesn't fit the commercial designation and the lack of military proofs takes it out of military re-works. A unique variation.

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.

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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.

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