1208

RARE 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 FINNISH M/23 LUGER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL.
Cal. 30 Luger. S# 5774r. Bbl. 3 3/4". 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 and designated as the "M/08". This example, an M/23 Luger, is marked with a Crown/N commercial nitro proof on the left side of the bbl. extension, which is repeated on the underside of the bbl. and left side of the breechblock. Toggle is marked with the intertwined "DWM" logo. Rear grip strap is import marked "PRI GARDEN CITY KS/ P08 30 LUGER GERMANY" along the sides of the stock lug. Metal components exhibit a blue finish overall, save for on some small parts, which exhibit a straw finish. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Dovetailed Lahti pattern blade front sight with fixed rear sight modified into a U-notch configuration, both indicative of Finnish use. Unusually, the underside of the breechblock has been drilled with a small hole that shows through to the firing pin. Nearly all serialized parts are matching in the "hidden" commercial fashion and include the frame, takedown lever, sideplate, bbl. and rear toggle link. Firing pin is mismatched via "78". MAGS: 1 8-rd. mag. with wood plug. CONDITION: metal components retain large amounts of their original factory blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning that are fading to gray patina, scattered superficial handling marks, as well as scattered spots and patches of light surface oxidation overall. Grip straps exhibit areas of wear that have faded to a gray patina, with scattered spots of light surface oxidation and pitting. Strawed parts retain traces of their original finish, with the balance having faded to gray patina, showing scattered spots of light pitting and age related discoloration. Bore exhibits light pitting and some mild pitting towards the muzzle, while retaining good rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Grips show consistent smoothing, as well as some scattered marks and minor impressions, but otherwise remain sound. (25-6053/MLW). CURIO. $800-1,400.