This is an "S" Date (1935) Krieghoff in 9mm  with a 4" barrel and in superb condition. These Lugers were contracted for delivery to the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force.  This was a contract of 10,000 Lugers that were delivered over a three year period.  The "S" Date has three variations.

This Luger was produced in 1935 and has a 100mm barrel and is considered a "early-range" 1935 model by collectors. The first toggle link is marked with the Krieghoff monogram, and there is the "V" rear sight on the last toggle link.

The estimated production of this variation is 1800.¹  Krieghoff production made up only 3% of the Luftwaffe's pistol procurement.  However, it was the only weapon actually proofed by the Luftwaffe.

This makes it a collectors dream gun.

These early Krieghoff's were proofed differently than the later models.  The early models did not serial number the barrels, however, all the small parts were stamped with the military acceptance stamps. This Luger has many proofs, finely struck for you to examine.

The top reveals the  Krieghoff Log  and no serial number on the top or rear of the toggle. The finish is the extraordinary deep blue achieved by the craftsman at the Krieghoff factory

There is always questions about why the "S" dated Mauser is known 1936 production but the "S" dated Krieghoff is considered 1935 production.

Kreighoff production records indicate that in 1935 4,050 "G" & "S" dates were produced.¹ We know date coding ended in 1936 for both Mauser and Krieghoff.  What is more probable is that production "allocation" simply spilled over into 1936. One of those un-answerable questions.

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The magazine is proofed and serial numbered to the gun. The magazine is the rolled nickel with the aluminum base.

LEFT: As with the early Krieghoff the serial number of the gun does not appear on the barrel, just the proofs and barrel size.

Credits

¹Third Reich Lugers, Jan Still

²The Krieghoff, Randall Gibson

Production commenced in the Suhl plant in 1935 and by the end of 1937 the 10,000 contract was completed. This completed the "Early" military contract of which this Luger is a member.

While there are very few examples known of the "G" chamber marked date (less than 100 believed produced) they are believed to be the 1935 production.

The "S" dated chambers were begun in 1935, followed by the "36" and then the "1936" chamber date.

Krieghoffs are like German Navy's very hard to find due to the limited production and even harder to obtain in this quality of a gun for the rare variation it represents.   

If you love Lugers, or just want to look at some rare Lugers from private collections of the world's most renowned collectors then check this out.

Over 35 Legendary Lugers, in multiple high-resolution shots depicting details you can study, over 90 pictures, close to 30 minutes of viewing time.  Click below to see more.