In 96% condition and all matching the magazine, we have a DWM 1914 Variation Navy Luger dated 1916 with a very rare 1916 dated holster marked Matr Artillery on the inside flap which means Naval Artillery. almost certainly this was used in land fighting in Belgium by units of the German Navy. This Luger bears the Initials HVW on the top of the chamber, we think that it is the initials of a previous owner, likely the doughboy who brought it home as a war trophy.
Only 7,900 of this variation were made, and like all German WW1 Navy Lugers they are very scarce especially in this fine condition. The bore is fair. The pistol is “You will note the large flange toggle pin, which is a very distinctive feature of Navy Lugers as well at the commercial style serial number placement on the parts. The 6 inch barreled Imperial German Navy issued Lugers have long been considered to be at the pinnacle of handgun collecting, almost in an aristocratic elite that few collectors can aspire too. This is a fine example of a scarce WWI Navy Luger and would be a real prize for any collector.
