Lot 282

Cased Factory Presentation Engraved Krieghoff P.08 Luger Pistol

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Cased Factory Presentation Engraved Krieghoff P.08 Luger Pistol

Estimate: $150,000 - $250,000

Starting Bid: $130,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Incredibly Rare and Extraordinary Well-Documented Factory Presentation Engraved and Platinum Plated Krieghoff P.08 Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Relief Carved Ivory Grips, Presentation Case and Two Matching Magazines Rock Island Auction Company is honored to have the privilege to offer this extraordinary factory presentation engraved and platinum plated Krieghoff P.08 Luger pistol. Manufactured in 1939 by Krieghoff in Suhl, Germany, as 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" book by Randall Gibson, with this exact pistol pictured on pages 206-207 with its accompanying presentation case and accessories. Other factory engraved presentation grade Krieghoff Lugers are also 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 to the very well known Hermann Goering: Supreme Commander of the Luftwaffe. Goering's presentation pistol along with serial numbers 17232, 17239, 17303 (recently sold by our firm in the August 2025 premier, lot 436, $235,000 price realized), and this example number 16953, all have nearly identical factory engraving and all have the identical dated factory side plate inscription which reads "HEINRICH KRIEGHOFF/WAFFENFABRIK/SUHL/15.8.39" for August 15, 1939, only a few weeks before the German invasion of Poland which marked the beginning of World War II. This grouping of factory presentation Krieghoffs, with the same exact dated inscription to Goering's documented example, were certainly presented to high ranking individuals close to Hermann Goering, possibly even some Luftwaffe aces. The other noted examples have variations in their grips, all of which being embellished to a high level. Krieghoff manufactured P.08 Luger pistols for the Luftwaffe between 1935-1945, and on special occasion they made a small amount of embellished Lugers, such as this one, as gifts for high ranking party members. Another Krieghoff pistol with serial number P305 is shown on page 199 of the book that was presented to Heinrich Krieghoff himself, with a factory side plate inscription that translates to "Anniversary Prize of the German Research Institute For Small Arms in Pistol Shooting 1938". A gold plated factory engraved example with serial number 16939 is also pictured on page 209 of the book and it does not have an inscription. Offered here is an extremely rare and extraordinary masterfully engraved and platinum plated factory presentation Krieghoff Luger P.08 pistol with relief carved ivory grips, undoubtedly the pinnacle of Luger collecting. It is complete with two matching numbered magazines and a presentation case. The pistol features exquisite factory engraving with highly detailed large oak leaf patterns on extremely fine punchdot backgrounds. The engraving covers approximately 75% of the pistol with the only major portion of the pistol not engraved around the center section of the barrel. The ivory grips are highly carved with wonderful deep relief, large oak leaf patterns. The left side of the barrel extension, frame, and underside of the barrel have single "crown/N" commercial proofs, and the right side of the barrel extension has the five-pointed star indicating that it was a rejected part, all of which tracks with other factory presentation grade Krieghoff Lugers listed in the noted reference book. The full serial number "16953" is marked on the front of the frame, and the interior of the sideplate is stamped with the matching last two digits "53". There are "eagle/2" Krieghoff proofs on the unnumbered breech block, center link of the toggle assembly, trigger and takedown lever. The top of the chamber is engraved with no date or markings and the front toggle 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 "16953" to the gun on their base plates. Includes an attractive leather bound presentation case with alligator skin bottom (as witnessed on the other example we sold), fitted blue felt lined interior housing the Luger, platinum plated takedown tool, and the extra matching numbered platinum plated magazine. The lot also includes a French Legion of Honour medal reading "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1870" on the front and "HONNEUR ET PATRIE" on the back side.

Manufacturer: Krieghoff Heinrich Gun Co

Model: P.08

BBL: 4 inch round

Gauge: 9mm Luger

Finish: platinum

Grips: relief carved ivory

Serial Number16953

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The Joseph Scognamillo Collection
  • Condition: Excellent and stunning, retaining 97% plus bright original platinum finish, with flaking concentrated on the concealed bottom area of the breech block, and absolutely sharp engraving overall. The grips are also excellent, with crisp relief carved designs. Mechanically excellent. The presentation case is very fine overall, with some age and storage related wear, and absent latches. This immensely rare and magnificent factory engraved presentation Krieghoff Luger pistol is about as desirable as it gets and would make a spectacular centerpiece in any advanced Luger, World War II military, or fine arms collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000