White Glove Wednesday: Luger Parabellum Pistol P-08

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
Independence, MO

Get up close with rarely viewed presidential treasures preserved at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. Included with museum admission, White Glove Wednesday presentations are offered every third Wednesday at 11 a.m.

The Museum staff and summer interns will give a presentation from 11 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

a) Automatic pistol, German, Luger Parabellum P-08, Cal.9mm, Serial No.2601s, manufactured prior to 1932. All parts matching except aluminum bottom, military issue magazine Serial No. 1716a. Pistol has absence common to "sneaks", i.e. no markings on chamber, Simpson proof marked replacement barrel, "DWM" on toggle, no proof or acceptance marks other than "Nitro" proof. Grip strap has unit markings of Prussian State Police unit, "S.Mi.324." Grips are original checkered wood. Pistol retains 99% original factory blue and straw. Pistol has lanyard ring and shoulder stock lug. Also has sear safety. (b) Holster, brown leather, dyed black. Holster is conversion from special Lange P-08 holster for use with standard 4" barrel length pistol. Holster was shortened by 4" and two belt loops were sewn to back of it. Back of holster has Prussian State Polie unit markings, "S. Mi.___" indicating issue to Schutzpolizei Minden. Inside of holster flap has the names of two owners and WWI military acceptance stamps, i.e. (K.B.A.G./1915". Underside of flap has small pocket for P-08 tool. (c) Tool is blued and has serial no. 294. (d) aluminium bottom, military issue magazine serial No. 1716a.