The 1906 Initial Issue Lugers had their manual safety levers converted, probably in 1913, so that the down position was the safe position. The word “Gesichert” (Safe) was erased from the lower position by peening and was re-engraved in the upper position. The army discovered that with the earlier Safe=Up the safety could be moved to the Off position during holstering of the weapon. Photo copyright 2025 by Ed Dittus. All rights reserved.

The upper grip plate has a cut-out to accommodate the grip safety lever, whereas the lower grip plate does not.
1906 Initial Issue Lugers likely had the grip safety removed in 1913 to bring them up to the standard P.08 configuration.

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