Luger P.08 Pistol : Netherlands East Indies Forces

Place Asia: Malaysia, Labuan
Accession Number RELAWM20334.001
Collection type Technology
Object type Firearm
Maker Vickers Ltd
Place made United Kingdom
Date made 1925
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Luger P.08 semi automatic pistol. The top toggle is stamped VICKERS LTD and has British proof marks. The barrel has the date 1925 together with the serial number. The grip has a rear safety catch. Originally the pistol had a brass plate on the left side with Netherlands East Indies unit markings but this has been removed. The weapon is complete with a magazine.

History / Summary

This Vickers Luger pistol was made for the Dutch Goverment and issued to the Netherlands East Indies Forces in Java. It was obtained from 4 Repair and Salvage Depot, Labuan, and believed to have been amongst arms taken from the Japanese in this area. No. 9 team's Australian Military History Field Team /478 dated 24 December 45 states, "this pistol appeared to be a unique weapon".