1920 Commercial Luger - needs confirmation

[rjf]

I recently inherited this Luger when my dad passed away. The family history is that my Italian father was a 16-7-year old partisan fighting in NE Italy. He "liberated" this pistol and hid it in a barn. In 1947, he immigrated to the US to make a new life. In the early 1960's, on one of his returns to Italy he brought it back in his luggage. It has been in a sock drawer since.

I am interested in finding out more about it, validate what I have discovered, it's market value and if the family history is plausible.

Here is what I know so far from on-line research and e-mail correspondence with some military collectors I know:

1920-22 Commercial P-08 Luger (possible)

Specifications:
• Manufacturer: DWM
• Vintage: 1920-1922 with early SN #2858
• Type: Autoloading service pistol
• Operation: Recoil operated (toggle action), striker fired
• Action: Single action
• Caliber: 7.65mm
• Magazine capacity: 7
• Barrel length: 4"
• Trigger pull: 2-1/4 lbs.
• Sights: Fixed; V-notch rear, dovetail mounted bead front
• Sight radius: 8-11/16" (22.2cm)
• Finish: blued steel
• Grips: 2-piece, Walnut, Checkered, Without a Border or Insignia
• Overall length: 8 1/4" (21cm)
• Height: 5-1/2" (13cm)
• Width: 1-1/2" (3.7cm)
• Weight: approx. 2 lbs. with empty magazine
• Country of origin: Germany

Additional Details and Markings:
• Toggle Inscription: DWM (Manufacturer prior 1933)
• Chamber Inscription: Crown N
• Toggle Knob Type: Round and checkered
• Grip Safety: Not present
• Stock Lug: Not Present
• Thumb Safety: "Gesichert" in forward position.
• "Geladen" on chamber indicator exposed when round chambered.
• Magazine Bottom Plug: dark brown walnut. no markings.
• No manufacture year stamp (Commercial)
• Barrel proof: crown N, #2858, cursive letter either s, r or v.
• Front piece: #2858, GERMANY, cursive letter possibly "o".
• Crown "N" located on receiver, barrel, chamber,
• # 58 located on all major parts

Condition: Good, but used condition. minor pitting and some surface rust. majority (60-75%) of bluing intact. Some barrel wear. Functional.

Contact Rich Filippi 850.832.7863. [email protected]