This is a 1920 DWM (Deutsches Waffen Und Munitionsfabriken Co) Manufactured Pistole-08 that was built for the Swiss or American Commercial market for commercial sale. This is a 1920's model produced under the conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles on post-war Germany.  This gun is considered very rare by collectors and unique for the Swiss collector with the short (98mm) barrel 7.65mm configuration. (980)

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The 1920's Model Luger is characterized by the 7.65mm  3 3/4" (98mm) barrel,  the rear "V" cut fixed and front dovetailed sight and the short frame with the stock lug. The DWM monogram markings appear on the 1st toggle link and the extractor is marked 'Geladen' (Loaded).  Most of these Swiss variations were done in 120mm barrel with the long frame.  This is the short frame, left over from WWI but with a long sear and grip safety.

The proof of the Crown N in the vertical condition tells us that it is a commercial gun, the squeeze grip safety makes is a rare variation of the the 1920 "i" series commercial versions. The grips are checkered walnut and in excellent condition.

These guns were made mostly from military surplus and stocks of parts DWM had after the war.  The Treaty of Versailles imposed a barrel length less than 100mm so the Germans made the P08 with a 98 mm barrel.  The Treaty imposed a less than 9mm gauge restriction so DWM began to produce the then popular 7.65mm.

The Swiss variation of 1920 produced Lugers makes is a very uncommon gun and highly desirable by the collector.

Serial number placement is in the commercial ("hidden") style; displayed on  the bottom of the side plate, the bottom of the locking bolt, the sear bar safety, the rear toggle link, the front of the frame, under the barrel, and on the side of the trigger. This example has all matching numbers. Proof marks are Crown over "N" (C/N),   the bottom of the barrel,  and the left of the frame correct for commercial Lugers.

The DWM suffix "i" or "i block" Lugers is a very under-studied transition series.  DWM ended 1918 deliveries in the a-s block. When DWM began post-war production the "i" block dominates with 1920 Stoeger 2-line, the Krieghoff Commercial guns and then into 1921-23. It is known that DWM accepted an order from A. F. Stoeger for 2,500 Lugers on March 7th 1922 and the contract for Abercrombie & Fitch was also filled using the "i" block suffix by DWM.  As these post-WWI Lugers turn up in the various contract configurations we are learning that perhaps DWM used the "i bloc" as its commercial designation from military stocks before going to the five digit commercial 1923 models (76000).  See Standard Catalog of Luger, Aaron Davis, Page 138.

After WWI, the German economy was characterised by enormous inflation. These pistols were intended for the English speaking market as the United States was the only customer who economically survived WWI. In the US Hans Tauscher the DWM agent had been replaced by several different importers who commercialised the sale of Luger pistols. Among the principal vendors, we can identify Stoeger & Co. (of New York), and Pacific Arms Corporation (of San Francisco). This accounts for the "Germany" (nation of origin) stamped on these weapons on the right hand side.

Clean and well cared for this Luger is looking for another good home.  A very unique piece with all the known characteristics of the period guns that it represents this is very nice gun for the advanced Swiss collector.

On the bottom of the barrel is marked GERMANY which is a distinctive magazine supplied with the commercial guns and highly valued by the collector.  DWM numbered commercial guns with the five digit serial number so this was originally a military frame and the "i" block '20s guns become unique that they began with military numbers and later switched the Swiss to the five digit 87130-87150 range and those more rare guns in the "i" block. 

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.