P 06 PARABELLUM DWM Cal. 7,65×21 mm (.30 Luger)

The pistol pictured is a Luger Model 1906 / “New Model Parabellum”, the direct forerunner of the famous German military P08. Although many collectors loosely call it a “P08 1906”, technically it is an early commercial or military model derived from the 1906 series, not a standard WWI P08 in the classic 9 mm configuration. The Model 1906 was an important evolution of the first Luger Model 1900, designed by Georg Luger for DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken). The main improvements were the introduction of the coil mainspring, far more reliable than the leaf spring of the early models, and the Schwartz grip safety in the grip frame. The calibre is 7.65 x 21 Mauser, a forerunner of the 7.62 Tokarev cartridge.
This example has several very interesting features:
genuine patina and a naturally aged appearance;
period-correct wooden grips;
old, unpolished finish;
edges still relatively well preserved;
classic “early commercial” configuration, the so-called “transitional Luger”;
clear DWM commercial markings present;
original calibre;
original magazine;
heat-coloured (strawed) small parts;
bore in good condition, slightly “frosted”, with clear rifling.
Configuration and estimated value
Mixed-serial components / refinished 1,500 – 2,500 €
Partly original, major parts matching 2,800 – 4,500 €
All matching, good original finish 5,000 – 8,000 €
Rare contract/export variant 8,000 €+