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RARE DWM FINNISH M/23 LUGER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,400.00 USD
RARE DWM FINNISH M/23 LUGER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL.
Cal. 30 Luger. S# 9183. Bbl. 3 15/16". Looking to update their current military sidearm and being unsatisfied with the domestically designed Ahlberg pistol, the Finnish Ministry of Defense went to DWM in hopes of acquiring a contract for the P.08 pistol. DWM, unable to to fulfill this request due to the Treaty of Versailles, could only offer Finland the Model 1920 Commercial Luger chambered in 7.65x21mm Parabellum (.30 Luger). Ultimately, the Finnish Ministry of Defense accepted these Lugers, designating them as the "M/23", with a small number being rebarreled for the 9x19mm cartridge. This example, an M/23 Luger, exhibits no commercial proofing, with only the DWM monogram present on the toggle. Rear grip strap is unit marked "PRI GARDEN CITY KS/ P08 30 LUGER GERMANY" on the sides of the stock lug. The top of the Finnish replacement bbl. is marked with the Tikka arsenal insignia towards the breech. Metal components exhibit a Finnish arsenal reapplied blue finish, with some small parts exhibiting a reheated straw finish. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips, retained via a Finnish brass replacement screw on either panel. Dovetailed Lahti pattern blade front sight with fixed rear sight modified into a U-notch configuration. Nearly all numbers are matching and include the frame, takedown lever, sideplate, trigger, safety lever & bar, bbl. extension, trigger bar, breechblock, extractor, firing pin and forward toggle link. Hold-open latch, rear toggle link, and grips are mismatched. MAGS: 1 8-rd. with unmarked aluminum plug. Plug has been ground down around edges. Spine of mag. is marked "4748". CONDITION: metal components retain the majority of their Finnish arsenal blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning fading to gray patina, scattered superficial handling marks, as well as some pitting beneath the finish overall. Strawed parts exhibit some wear fading to gray patina, with purple heat related coloration present in some areas. Bore is bright, exhibiting streaks of light to mild pitting, while retaining strong rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Breechblock is chipped at the forward corner along the edge of the extractor. Left grip shows moderate smoothing and scattered handling marks, with a chip at the usual area, at and to the right of the safety lever. Right grip panel shows mild smoothing and some minor superficial handling marks. Mag. does not function properly and does not engage the hold-open latch. (25-6081/MLW). 800-1,400.