Description
This exceptional custom Luger exemplifies the finest work of John Martz, whose name is inseparable from the highest echelon of bespoke Parabellum pistols. Working with a carefully selected combination of newly manufactured and extensively modified original Luger components, Martz produced a limited number of custom variants that balanced historical fidelity with thoughtful mechanical refinement. This example closely follows the Second Model Commercial Navy Luger and reflects Martz’s deep understanding of both the platform’s heritage and its mechanical potential.
The pistol features the distinctive long 6-inch barrel and classic Navy profile, immediately setting it apart from standard commercial Lugers. A fixed blade front sight is paired with a two-position tangent rear sight adjustable from 100 to 200 meters, reinforcing the authentic Navy configuration. The blank chamber maintains clean, uninterrupted lines, while the iconic “DWM” monogram on the front toggle link and the crown/N proof on the left side of the barrel extension anchor the pistol firmly in its commercial German lineage.
One of the defining characteristics of this pistol is John Martz’s proprietary Martz Toggle Release (MSTR) mechanism, a discreet but highly regarded refinement of the traditional Luger operating system. Unlike standard Lugers, which require the toggle to be manually manipulated from the rear, the MSTR system incorporates a frame-mounted release that allows the toggle assembly to be dropped and cycled with greater ease. Martz engineered this feature to improve handling while preserving the visual balance and mechanical integrity of the Luger design. Subtly integrated and unobtrusive, the MSTR enhances usability without detracting from the pistol’s classic silhouette, and it remains one of the most recognizable signatures of Martz’s work.
The left side of the frame is marked with the “MSTR” designation and Martz’s distinctive oval “JVM” stamp, confirming the pistol as a true Martz-built example rather than a simple parts assembly. Correctly matched components, including the takedown lever, trigger, and side plate, reflect the careful attention paid to internal consistency, fit, and finish.
The pistol is finished in a traditional blue with small, strung parts and fitted with unmarked replacement checkered hardwood grips that complement the period appearance while offering a solid, comfortable hold. It is accompanied by a nickel-finished magazine with a concentric-ring walnut base bearing the “JVM” oval stamp, along with an additional nickel-finished magazine with a plastic base, providing both visual continuity and practical completeness.
Completing the presentation is a hardwood Macanudo “Number XX” cigar box that has been thoughtfully converted into a fitted display case. Lined to accommodate the pistol and a spare magazine, the case adds a distinctive, period-appropriate touch that underscores the bespoke nature of this piece.
Refined, mechanically distinctive, and deeply rooted in Luger tradition, this John Martz Custom “MSTR” Luger stands as a compelling example of one of the most respected custom Parabellum interpretations ever produced. For the advanced collector, it represents not only historical homage, but the personal craftsmanship and quiet innovation that define the very best of John Martz’s work.
