Mauser S/42 Dated Luger 9MM — Matching Pistol, Holster WWII Documented Bringback

SOLD FOR: $2,900.01
Make: Mauser
Model: Luger S/42 Dated
Serial Number: 7449
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Caliber: 9MM Luger
Action Type: Toggle Action Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine.
Markings: The locking bolt, side plate, ejector, flat, left sear bar, back of rear toggle link and top edge of the sear bar safety are marked “49”. The left side of the frame under the safety is marked “Gesichert”. The left side of the receiver at the chamber is marked “7449”. The right side of the receiver is marked with two winged eagles over “63” and a winged eagle, as shown on line 30, pg. 236 of Luger Variations by H.E. Jones. The top of the barrel over the chamber is marked “1938”, the forward toggle link is marked “S/42” and “49”, the front of the frame under the barrel is marked “7449” over a script “l”, the bottom rear of the barrel is marked “7449 / 8,81”, and the left side of the grip frame is marked “0”. The underside of the left grip panel is marked with an “R”, “49” and a “0”. The underside of the right grip panel is marked “49”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a notch in the back of the toggle and a serrated ramp front sight in a dovetail.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut. They show slight oil staining and the checkering is mostly smooth over its surface. There are no cracks or compression marks. There is a small chip missing from the left grip panel under the safety. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is deep. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish shows mild surface loss at the front ½” of the barrel, the top of the front sight, the top of the barrel, the front edge of the left side of the frame, the front edge and top of the left side plate, and the right top edge of the frame. The grip screws are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with two magazines, and a period correct black leather flap holster with takedown tool. The magazine in the pistol is a “1923” type with a steel bottom piece marked “7449” and 3 vertical marks: a script “l”, “+” and a winged eagle over 63 proof mark. The magazine shows some surface loss and thinning, but still has 80% of the blued finish remaining. The spare magazine is a modern type with a plastic bottom piece marked “7449”. The left side of the magazine is marked “P08” and “fXO” over a winged eagle over “63” proof mark. It has a small chip missing from the bottom piece, and is in Fine condition. The back side of the holster is marked “Karl Bocker / Waldbrol”, a winged eagle holding a globed swastika over “WaA387” and “1938”. The leather of the flap hinge has no cracks and the stitching is all intact. The flap shows handling marks and 1 indentation, with no cracks, and the buckle strap is present. The inside top edge of the holster next to the flap is folded over at the top front. The pull-out strap shows neither cracks nor disfigurement. The magazine pouch on the front of the holster shows light wear and a small spot of surface loss near the bottom. The leather on the outside of the holster shows handling marks with a few deeper indentations. There is no surface loss. The back side of the holster has 2 belt loops, which are intact, and shows only minor handing marks. All of the stitching appears to be intact. The takedown tool is marked “7637” and winged eagle over “63”. Altogether, the holster is in Excellent condition. Also included is a notarized declaration from our consigner that this pistol is one of three that his stepfather, Sgt. John E. Whitmore of the 1st Armored Division, brought back from Northern Italy when General Wolff surrendered, and the German forces under his command turned-in their weapons in March 1945. The declaration also documents Sgt. Whitmore’s involvement with the Italian campaign and the circumstances under which the weapons were acquired.
Our Assessment: This Mauser built Luger WWII “Bring Back” is in Excellent condition with all the appropriate markings and matching numbers. It also comes with a period correct Waffenamt stamped holster, with the same date as the pistol, and a spare magazine, also marked with matching S/N. We rarely see complete packages like this where everything is present, and with matching numbers, let alone in this kind of condition. This is a great correctly marked package for the Luger collector.