Page 354 - 89-FLIPBOOK1

352
LOT 433
Presentation Cased and Engraved, Gold Inlaid 1934 Mauser Persian Contract Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol - NSN, 9 mm Luger cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, bone grips. This is an example of a Mauser 1934 Persian/Iranian contract short barreled Luger that has been subsequently custom engraved and gold inlaid, all fitted in a leather bound presentation case. The Persian/Iranian contract Lugers were manufactured in the 1934/35 time frame and exhibited some of the highest standards for fit and finish of any Luger produced. There were a total of 2,000 Lugers manufactured under this contract; 1,000 4 inch barreled models and 1,000, 8 inch barreled models. The chamber area is marked with the Persian “Crown/Lion” with a sunburst background crest. All the markings and serial numbers are in Farsi. The serial number “17” is marked in Farsi on the front of the frame, the left side of the receiver and on the majority of the other parts except the barrel and side plate. As noted, this scarce Luger has been custom embellished with a large scroll and vine engraving pattern that covers 98% of the pistol.
The Farsi markings on top of the toggle and right side of the barrel extension have been inlaid with gold. It comes with one original nickel plated, unmarked magazine with a matching numbered aluminum base that is stamped with the matching number “17”
in Farsi. The pistol has a high polish blue finish and straw colored smaller parts, and it is fitted with a set of bone checkered grips that have darkened and show some age. The Luger is housed in a custom brown leatherette presentation case that was designed to blend into a leather desktop. The lid has a 1 1/2 X 3 inch brass plate attached
to the lid with a large Mauser Banner logo engraved into it. The
case has a russet/brown velvet lining with a smaller unmarked brass presentation plate inside with a much larger Persian/Iranian peaked visor hat emblem screwed into the case.
CONDITION: Very fine as custom embellished with 99% plus of
the custom blue finish overall. The smaller parts also retain 99% of their restrawed colors. The grips are also very fine with nice distinct checking overall with the left side showing some small scratches
on the lower part that have darkened giving the grips an aged
look. During the embellishment, the barrel had a liner installed. Mechanically excellent. The case is also very fine with nice complete leather cover and minor wear along the edges and underside from handling and storage. The engraving is very attractive and well done. Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500