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RARE FINNISH M/08 LUGER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
RARE FINNISH M/08 LUGER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Aug 06 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
HOLSTER. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# 2116L. Bbl. 4 11/16". 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 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 8,000 of these Model 1920 Lugers, designating them as the "M/23". Subsequently a small number of M/23 Lugers were rebarreled for the 9x19mm cartridge, being designated as the "M/08". This example, an M/08 Luger, is properly blank over the top of the chamber, with a Crown/N commercial nitro (repeated on left side of breechblock) proof followed by a boxed Finnish "SA" proof marked on the left side of the bbl. extension. Toggle is marked with the intertwined "DWM" monogram logo. Top of the bbl. is marked with an encircled "T" within an inverted triangle, indicating mfg. by Tikkakoski arsenal, with a Century Arms import marked present on the underside. Metal components exhibit a dull Finnish arsenal reapplied blue finish overall, save for on the bbl., which exhibits its polished Tikka arsenal blue finish, as well as some small parts, which exhibit an apparent Finnish arsenal reheated straw finish. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Standard P.08 pattern blade front sight and fixed V-notch rear sight. No matching numbers are present. MAGS: x2 plated 8-rd. mags., x1 with unmarked wood plug, x1 S# "4672 vertically at the rear of the plug. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Finnish brown leather holster. Closure flap is marked with a boxed "SA", with the closure flap strap exhibiting an encircled "L" atop a partially visible crossed cannons escutcheon. Holster contains a boxed "SA" proofed loading tool and an unmarked brass cleaning rod. CONDITION: metal components retain large amounts to the majority of their Finnish arsenal blue finish, exhibiting some spots and patches of wear and thinning fading to gray and brown patinas, scattered spots of light surface oxidation and pitting, as well as scattered superficial handling marks overall. Strawed parts are very good, as reheated. Near mirror bore, exhibiting some scattered spots of very light to light pitting, while retaining strong albeit shallow rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Grips show consistent smoothing and a few superficial marks and minor impressions, but otherwise remain sound. Holster remains malleable, exhibiting scattered handling marks, as well as areas of age related cracking and light crazing. Pull strap is absent. Upper rivet on left belt loop is a contemporary replacement. Closure flap's leather "hinge" panel exhibiting some losses to the stitching on one side. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of John Eckert. (26-1179/MLW). CURIO. $1,000-1,500.