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SIMILAR EXAMPLE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK LUGER: THE MULTI-NATIONAL PISTOL BY KENYON
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LOT 3370
DWM Model 1920 Commercial Luger Semi-Automatic
Pistol with Extremely Rare Benke/Thiemann Stock - Serial
no. 4896S, 7.65 mm Luger Auto cal., 3 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, metal grips. Manufactured during the inter-war Weimar
Era for commercial sale, this Luger has been fitted out with a
rare Benke/Thiemann stock assembly. Constructed chiefly from metal stampings, the Benke/Thiemann is designed to give
the advantages of a mountable stock in a unit that could be
kept physically on the pistol full time and used in conjunction
with conventional style holsters. This concept was fairly ahead
of its time, having been revisited by some “personal defense weapon” style handguns in recent years, but during the period
of manufacture failed to catch on, resulting in limited sales and production, estimated at about 300 total. Mounting is similar
to the “Ideal” model stock/holster, with a set of steel grip panels providing a rugged base. When collapsed for use as a conventional pistol, the unit covers the sides of the Luger with a set of steel plates, marked “PATENT BENKE/THIEMANN D.R.P.u.A.P.” and “ARMERIA “BELGA”/SANTIAGO-CHILE” on the left and “13” on the right. To open, a spring loaded latch ahead of the triggerguard is depressed, freeing the panels to swing out and back, locking into position with the same latch as a full metal stock assembly with
a length of pull of about 19 inches. The pistol has fixed sights, no date marking on top of the chamber and the “DWM” monogram on the front toggle link. “Crown/N” proofs are present on the barrel and front toggle, a unique “crown/?” proof on the right side of the barrel extension, and an unmarked wood magazine base. CONDITION: The pistol is very good, with 50% of the period refinished blue finish, concentrated on the barrel and the sides
of the frame, with a mixed brown patina on the other surfaces, scattered spotting, and mild edge wear and handling marks. Some components are mixing their serial numbers, and the magazine base is damaged. Mechanically excellent. The stock is fine, with about half of the blue finish, minor spotting overall, with the hinges and latch all in fine order.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000
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