This war trophy was brought back by Cpl Leonard Winkler of the 21st Armored Infantry Battalion of the 11th armored division, the Thunderbolt Division http://www.11tharmoreddivision.com/history/21st_AIB.html. This unit arrived in France on December 16, 1944 and five days later they were fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. They participated as the spearhead in the counter attack that beat the German offensive back and on through 1945 until the end of the war they were in the thick of the fighting through Germany. According to family History the pistol was taken off of a captured “SS” officer, but more the truth was likely it came off of some Luftwaffe officer or nco, maybe even a paratrooper. Many years ago it was sold to a young collector with copies of the capture papers, as the original ones stayed in the family with the other pistol that was listed on the documents.
In 98% minty original condition, completely matching and 100% factory original, we have a very rare early 1937 production Luftwaffe proofed Krieghoff Luger. this was one of 2500 manufactured in 1937 and this one is early in that years production run. The pistol still retains the original factory numbered and proofed magazine as well. The bore is decent but not mint. This is a textbook example of a 1937 Krieghoff Luftwaffe issued Luger in top collector grade condition, and certainly the most pristine and un-molested example that you could possibly own. To WW2 Pistol collectors a Krieghoff Luger is certainly among the “big 5” must own trophy’s and this is a prime example.
