Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this sought-after semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Imperial Arsenals of Erfurt P08 Luger.
The Imperial Arsenals of Erfurt P.08 Luger with a 16½-inch barrel is an exceptionally rare and visually striking variation of the classic German service pistol, produced at the Königliche Gewehrfabrik Erfurt during the Imperial era. Retaining the hallmark toggle-lock action, crowned “ERFURT” marking, and military acceptance stamps, these extended-barrel examples were intended for specialized or experimental use rather than standard issue. Their dramatic profile, combined with limited production and clear Imperial provenance, makes them highly desirable collectibles that highlight the adaptability and experimentation surrounding the Luger platform in the early 20th century.
This example is particularly noteworthy for its exceptional completeness, retaining three original wood-bottom magazines that are serial-number matching to the pistol, a highly desirable and seldom-encountered feature. Accompanying the firearm are the correct takedown tool and cleaning rod, further reinforcing its authenticity and careful preservation. Completing the ensemble is a genuine period leather holster designed for the pistol, along with a matching dual-magazine pouch, creating a near-textbook Imperial German rig that significantly enhances both the historical integrity and collector appeal of this remarkable Erfurt P.08 Luger.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Imperial Arsenals of Erfurt
Model: P08 Luger
Serial: 2481
Date of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 16 ½"
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Blade Dovetail at the Front Base with Integral “V”-Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Grips with Plain Walnut Forend with Schnabel Tip
Action: Toggle-Locked, Recoil-Operated, Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The rear toggle is marked with a crown over "ERFURT". The right side of the barrel extension is marked with three crowned scripted characters and an Imperial German eagle. Features all matching serial numbers.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Imperial Arsenals of Erfurt Luger represents one of the most historically significant variants of the P.08 Parabellum pistol produced for Imperial Germany. Manufactured at the Königliche Gewehrfabrik Erfurt (Royal Small Arms Factory at Erfurt) between 1911 and 1918, these Lugers were built to strict military specifications and are most commonly encountered in 9×19mm Parabellum, though limited numbers were also produced in 7.92mm. Erfurt Lugers are distinguished by their prominent crowned “ERFURT” toggle marking, extensive use of imperial acceptance stamps, and regimentally consistent fit and finish intended for front-line service. Compared to commercial DWM-produced examples, Erfurt pistols often display a more utilitarian level of polishing, reflecting wartime production pressures, yet they maintain the precise machining and mechanical reliability for which the Luger system is known.
Model: P08 Luger
Serial: 2481
Date of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 16 ½"
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Blade Dovetail at the Front Base with Integral “V”-Notched Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Grips with Plain Walnut Forend with Schnabel Tip
Action: Toggle-Locked, Recoil-Operated, Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The rear toggle is marked with a crown over "ERFURT". The right side of the barrel extension is marked with three crowned scripted characters and an Imperial German eagle. Features all matching serial numbers.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Imperial Arsenals of Erfurt Luger represents one of the most historically significant variants of the P.08 Parabellum pistol produced for Imperial Germany. Manufactured at the Königliche Gewehrfabrik Erfurt (Royal Small Arms Factory at Erfurt) between 1911 and 1918, these Lugers were built to strict military specifications and are most commonly encountered in 9×19mm Parabellum, though limited numbers were also produced in 7.92mm. Erfurt Lugers are distinguished by their prominent crowned “ERFURT” toggle marking, extensive use of imperial acceptance stamps, and regimentally consistent fit and finish intended for front-line service. Compared to commercial DWM-produced examples, Erfurt pistols often display a more utilitarian level of polishing, reflecting wartime production pressures, yet they maintain the precise machining and mechanical reliability for which the Luger system is known.
Historically, Erfurt Lugers are closely associated with Germany’s World War I military expansion and the centralized role of state arsenals in arms production. As the only Imperial government arsenal to manufacture the Luger, Erfurt played a crucial role in supplementing private industry to meet wartime demand. Many examples show features indicative of their service life, such as strawed small parts, matching serial numbers with letter suffixes, and later military modifications or rework marks. Today, Erfurt Lugers are highly regarded by collectors for their clear martial provenance and dense array of inspection markings, which provide insight into Imperial German acceptance practices. Well-preserved, matching examples—especially those retaining original finish and unaltered military configuration—are increasingly scarce and are valued as tangible artifacts of early 20th-century European military history.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with all contents (serial numbered to match the gun) as pictured above.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.




