Luger Serial Number Database

Parabellum P08 'Luger' Handgun Country of OriginTypeHandgunCaliber9.000 mmCapacity8 roundsLength223.000 mmBarrel Length102.000 mmWeight0.870 kgContributor: ww2dbaseThe Parabellum Pistole 08 (P08) recoil-operated semi-automatic pistols were originally designed by Georg Luger of Loewe & Company in the United States in 1898, which attributed to their popular nick name 'Luger'. The firm fought hard to secure a military contract, but the heavy price tags of these pistols made it difficult. Finally, in 1900, a contract from Switzerland was signed for the rights to manufacture them; the resulting models were designated Ordonnanzpistole 00 or OP00 pistols. The United States made a purchase for a batch of these pistols for trials, but ultimately chose to sign a contract with Loewe's competitor, Colt-Browning.The design originally used 7.63-mm caliber ammunition, but 9-mm ammunition was later used to increase the lethality.

1. Swiss Luger Serial Numbers
2. Luger Serial Number Database

The new design generated further interest. Since 1900, some German officers had already been purchasing these pistols privately, noting their quality, accuracy, and reliability. In 1904, they were officially chosen as the standard side arm of the German Navy, followed by the Army in 1908; the latter dictated the German designation P08. Since 1908, the vast majority of 'Luger' pistols were used by Germans.Parabellum P08 pistols were originally manufactured by Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), a subsidiary of Loewe, starting in 1900; the German state armory in Erfurt also produced them to supplement DWM's numbers.During WW1, Parabellum P08 pistols were prized souvenirs among Allied soldiers.After WW1, production for the most part ceased as the Versailles Treaty placed restrictions on the German armament industry. In 1925, production of the Parabellum P08 pistols resumed at Simson and Company. Owned by Jews, Simson was liquidated, and the machinery eventually made their way to the Mauser organization, which began manufacturing the pistols in 1930.

Although the Walther P38 pistols had already been named the new standard sidearm of German officers since 1940, Parabellum P08 pistols remain in production until 1943.In WW2, Parabellum P08 pistols continued to be favored souvenirs. Stories were sometimes told of soldiers risking their lives on the frontline in search of Parabellum P08 pistols on dead German officers.In the late 1940s, Switzerland replaced Parabellum P08 pistols with a modern design, finally ending the military service of these pistols. Police forces in post-war Germany, however, continued to use them for some years to come.Today, Parabellum P08 pistols are still highly sought after as collectibles.Sources: The P08 'Luger' FAQ, Wikipedia. Ww2dbaseLast Major Revision: Nov 2007PhotographsDid you enjoy this article? Please consider supporting us on. Even $1 per month will go a long way! Thank you.Share this article with your friends:Stay updated with WW2DB.

Kaiser Bill says:23 Jan 2010 09:37:05 PMCurrent U.S. Retail prices of Luger pistols can run from $500 in poor condition to over $2,500 for excellent condition with all matching serial numbered parts. WWII Nazi era Lugers can be identified by Waffenampt acceptance marks located on the frame and usually under the base of the barrel. The stamp is a small eagle & swastika with tiny 2 or three digit numbers under the mark. Mauser built WWII military Lugers have the code S/42 stamped on the top of the toggle mechanism. They may also have a single letter G or K stamped on the top of the barrel. These Lugers were built in 1935 to 38 approx.

Later production Mausers were coded cyq. The main serial number is on the frame under the barrel and above the trigger gard, A cursive letter is usually located below the serial number and is part of the gun's production number. A matching Luger will have the last two digits of the serial number on all major components, the barrel the slide, the toggle, etc and more rarely on the butt of the magazine. Anonymous says:25 Jan 2010 09:14:13 AMTo whom.Please help me ID/Date this Luger.My father has recently passed. Among his effects was found a DWM Luger(Toggle Marked),holster,and extra clip.

Serial #7739 with 884 stamp below. Series 'R', not 't' as most would assume. It is now a precious family heirloom. NOT FOR SALE. Besides DWM mark very little else to go by.Any collectors help in manufacture history would be appreciated. Dad brought this back from WWII long ago.and none of us knew.until yesterday. Am trying to do research for his young grandchildren.Any help dating this weapon appreciated.We have the rest of the story, in his hand written letter.where it came from.how it came to pass.

Swiss Luger Serial Numbers

Where did it come from?Direct response OK. Anonymous says:26 Jul 2012 06:30:03 PMplease help, if you can. I was recently given an old german luger (9mm) it has the german stamp ontop the barrel its stamped 1941, it has a gold or gold colored trigger, safty, and side strip of the action, with a 2.25 inch barrel, it has a ser num, of 1178 along with some other nums stamped on it. I dont believe all ser match as was told happend towards the end of the war, I was also told such a short barrel was rare. Also stamped the behind the switch is the word GESICHERT, not sure what I have any help would be great, thanx chuck. Anonymous says:22 Feb 2016 03:58:58 PMA buddy of mine showed me a Liver that his grandfather took off a german officer in WW2.

It's in good condition, still in the original case with the tool, has 1 clip all the numbers match (even on the case). The serial number and all of The markings read 4213 byf and it is a p08 9mm Luger.

I've searched the net for a database for the manufacturer to get more info about it but forums like this is all I can find.Can anyone point me in another direction or tell me more about this?Thank You. Alicia Alaniz says:27 Jan 2017 07:20:12 AMMy grandpa brought back a Luger from WWII. I don't have any information on it except it was probably manufactured in the late 30's, and it had a shorter barrel, (my brother said it was a Tanker?).

It was stolen from my mother's home between Dec 19. 2016-Jan 19, 2017. We're looking for any appraisal paperwork that might contain serial numbers, etc.

This happened near Charleston, WV. I'm just trying to get word out about this stolen gun in that area. I realize it could be anywhere by now. It's been reported to police. Anonymous says:19 Mar 2017 01:53:25 PMI have a post WWWI DWM Navy Luger with matching serial numbers but a Swiss cross on the receiver.

Luger Serial Number Database

It apparently is a commercial gun, as the stock extension lug has been professionally removed and refinished. The bore, grips and straw finish parts are excellent; bluing has minor scratches on right rear side of receiver but otherwise is 95%. Serial number is 3317 and what is unusual is that the top of the barrel has the Swiss cross right side is stamped 'Germany'. Magazine is non-matching wood bottom. I was told it was a 1920 Swiss commercial Luger made from parts. Can you indicate a value range for me?