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LOT 1539
DWM Model 1920 Commercial Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with
Extremely Rare Benke/Thiemann Stock - Serial no. 380m, 7.65
mm Luger Auto cal., 3 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, metal grips.
Manufactured during the inter-war Weimar Era and imported to the United
States 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 “14” 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, extension and front toggle, and “GERMANY” is marked on the right side of the extension and the unnumbered wood base of the nickel finished magazine. Matching external “civilian pattern” serial numbers.
CONDITION: The pistol is excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing some light handling marks and edge wear overall, along with 85% bright and strong original straw color and niter blue on the small parts. The stock assembly shows a mixed brown and gray patina on half of the surface, with mild spotting and handling marks
overall. Both the pistol and the stock are mechanically excellent. A scarce
opportunity to own a Luger pistol outfitted with an extremely rare and
desirable Benke/Thiemann stock.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
SIMILAR EXAMPLES PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK LUGER: THE MULTI-NATIONAL PISTOL BY KENYON
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