Description
Few names in the world of custom Lugers carry the reverence and scholarly respect of John Martz. Known for transforming historic German pistols into functional works of mechanical art, Martz’s creations occupy a rare intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and collector prestige. This exceptional 1913 DWM Luger P08 “Baby” stands as a prime example of his legacy, an elegant, meticulously executed miniature interpretation of one of history’s most iconic sidearms.
Built on a 1913-dated DWM commercial Luger foundation, this pistol has been masterfully re-imagined into the coveted “Baby” configuration. The shortened barrel and slide assembly create a refined, compact profile while preserving the unmistakable silhouette that defines the Luger lineage. The proportions are harmoniously balanced, resulting in a pistol that feels both historically rooted and artistically reinterpreted.
The metalwork exhibits the hallmark precision associated with Martz’s bench. The deep, satin rust-blue finish is rich and even, offering a period-appropriate aesthetic that complements the pistol’s early 20th-century origins. Small parts display a tasteful contrast, with straw-colored accents that highlight the takedown lever, trigger, and controls, subtle visual cues that enhance depth without distracting from the overall composition.
Grip panels are finely checkered walnut, carefully fitted to the frame with seamless integration. Their warm tone provides a striking counterpoint to the dark blued steel, reinforcing the pistol’s balance of utility and artistry. Every edge, contour, and transition reflects deliberate handwork, evidence of a craftsman who understood both the mechanical and visual language of the Luger platform.
Mechanically, the pistol retains the precision toggle-lock system that made the P08 famous, operating with the crisp, deliberate action collectors expect from a properly tuned example. The compact barrel configuration does not detract from functionality; rather, it showcases Martz’s ability to scale the design while maintaining reliability and shootability.
From a collector’s perspective, Martz “Baby” Lugers represent an elite sub-category within custom Lugers, highly sought after for their rarity, craftsmanship, and direct association with one of the most respected Luger specialists of the modern era. Each example is effectively unique, shaped by hand rather than production line repetition.
This 1913 DWM John Martz Baby Luger is more than a custom pistol; it is a scholarly tribute to the Luger’s enduring design, refined through the vision of a master pistolsmith. Equally at home in an advanced Luger collection or a museum-grade display, it embodies the convergence of history, mechanical ingenuity, and bespoke craftsmanship.
