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The breech block and rear toggle link are stamped with the last two
digits “03” of the serial number. The top of the chamber is engraved
with no date or markings and has the C-2 type Krieghoff marking,
which consists of an anchor, flanked by “HK” with “KRIEGHOFF/
SUHL” underneath. The Luger is complete with two platinum plated
magazines stamped with the matching serial number “17303” to
the gun on their base plates. Includes an attractive leather bound
presentation case with alligator skin bottom, fitted purple felt lined
interior housing the Luger, platinum plated takedown tool, and the
extra matching numbered platinum plated magazine. The consignor
states that he inherited this pistol from his uncle, Staff Sergeant
Joseph C. Zachara, who captured and brought it back to the states
after World War II. Joseph C. Zachara (February 13, 1912-April 11,
1999), born in Chicago, Illinois, entered into U.S. service with the 3rd
Battalion, 309th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, on March
22, 1943. He went overseas and first encountered the enemy in The
Battle of Hurtgen Forest (September 19, 1944-December 16, 1944),
and was involved in the capture of Schwammenauel Dam, The
Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944-January 25, 1945), The Battle
of Remagen (March 7, 1945-March 25, 1945), and the occupation
of Berlin, in which he managed the 309th Infantry Officers Club in
Berlin until his Army discharge on March 27, 1946.
CONDITION: Excellent and highly attractive, retaining 97% bright
original platinum finish, with scattered areas of minor surface
freckling, most apparent on the barrel and rear lower grip strap,
and absolutely sharp engraving. Grips are also excellent, with crisp
checkering and relief carved designs. Mechanically excellent. Case
is fine, with some age and storage related wear, and absent latches.
This extremely rare and magnificent factory engraved presentation
Krieghoff Luger pistol is about as desirable as it gets, with added
bringback history, and would make an outstanding centerpiece in
any advanced Luger, World War II military, or fine arms collection!
Provenance: Descendant of Staff Sergeant Joseph C. Zachara.
Estimate: 100,000 - 200,000
One of only an estimated 10 factory engraved presentation Krieghoff Luger pistols made, found in the approximate 16000-18000 serial number range, per page 200 of The Krieghoff Parabellum
by Gibson, with other factory engraved presentation grade Krieghoff Lugers shown on pages 200-213, in which a few have similar accompanying presentation cases. Serial number 16999
has nearly identical oak leaf pattern factory engraving to this example offered, and it is documented as having belonged Hermann Goering: Supreme Commander of the Luftwaffe.
Serial Number 16999 Serial Number 17232 Serial Number 16953 Serial Number 17239