THE LUGER P.08 VOLUME 1 : THE FIRST WORLD WAR AND THE WEIMAR YEARS Classic guns of the world series

Luc Guillo and Georges Machtelinckx

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd Web: Schifferbooks.com ISBN: 978-0-76435-657-5 Hardback: 80 pages RRP: £ 19.99

This is the first book of a two volume history focusing on the history, design, development and manufacturing of one of the world’s most iconic firearms: the legendary Pistole 08 ‘Luger’ Parabellum from 1900 to the Republic of Weimar in the 1920s.

First adopted in 1901 by the Swiss, and shortly followed by the German Army, the Luger saw service in the period that some historians have designated the ‘Second 30 Years War’ - the First World War, the Interwar Period and the Second World War.

In this beautiful volume produced by Schiffer Publishing, the story of the iconic hand gun is told in a very visual manner and through a large collection of beautiful and very high quality colour photographs presenting the various models of the Luger and its accoutrements and accessoires, including rarely seen related military uniform and equipment items.

Variations, markings, technical differences and any unusual elements or aspects are also depicted in great detail while the various individual models and their usage are put into context with a wonderful selection of period photographs showing the guns in use.

In addition to close-up views of markings, there is a comprehensive listing of serial numbers and a visual breakdown of each weapon - detailing the whole gun and every part and component part. Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, holsters, and cleaning kits are also featured throughout the book.

While other books have been published on the Pistole 08 Luger, this will surely become established as the definitive and most highly detailed enthusiast's publication on the subject.

As ever, Schiffer have done a wonderful job and the work of the two authors can only be described as second-to-none. It is clear that these are two authors who know their subject thoroughly and have a passion for what they have researched and written.

As this is but Volume 1, then the reviewer cannot wait to see the next offering.

This is a beautiful book in the excellent ‘eye-candy’ quality were are used to seeing from Schiffer Publishing. Reviewed by Adam Waller

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