Deactivated WWI German Red 9 Artillery Luger

This is an extremely rare First World War imperial German Army RED 9 Artillery Luger. With exception of the magazine it has all matching numbers, and most importantly so are the grips. Although there is no official explanation for the "Red 9" branding on artillery Luger grips it is believed that because German units were being issued with the Mauser C96 chambered in both 7.63mm and in 9mm Parabellum, the branding on Luger grips was done as easy and self explanatory visual aid to the user. In the heat of battle loading the incorrect ammunition into a weapon could be the difference between life or death! Another unusual marking is the number "7" stamped on the side plate, this maybe a weapon or inventory number or specific to the unit it was issued to.

Such is rarity of this Luger that we believe it maybe the only one of its type in the UK. Dated 1917 it was manufactured DWM (Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken) and retains its original factory finish and grips.