WWII Mauser 42 Code P.08 P08 Luger 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1939 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2205
LSB#: 210913BM23
Make: Mauser
Model: P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 8575x
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine
Markings: The barrel extension is marked “1939” on the chamber ring, the left is marked “8575”. The extractor is marked “75”, found again on the trigger, safety, takedown lever, sideplate, bolt stop, the left of the firing pin, breech-block, top of the front toggle link, toggle pin, rear of the back toggle link, and the sear. The top of the front link is also marked “42” (Mauser production code). The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The front face of the frame is marked “8575 / x”. The left of the breech-block has an eagle inspection mark. The right of the barrel extension has two eagle over “655” waffenamts and an eagle inspection mark. The right of the barrel has an eagle inspection mark, the left has eagle over “655”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “8575 / 8,83”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a base at the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have light handling wear, most notable on the left panel. There are some scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined, there are some compressed checkers around the screw on the left panel and at the bottom-front of the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: The finish is Original, though the magazine release has been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light-moderate erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is light finish wear on the left of the barrel at the muzzle, the raised portion of the sideplate and the right frame rail. Most of the balance is in the grip areas which show handling wear. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation and there is infrequent minor erosion. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is minor play between the barrel assembly and frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine. The magazine’s floorplate is serial-matched to the pistol. The magazine shows operational wear and both has intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: The Luger (Pistole Parabellum or P-08) is perhaps the most aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing of all autoloading centerfire pistols. It is also one of the strongest, most accurate and most recognizable service pistols ever made. Georg Luger developed his famous pistol in 1898-1899 (starting with the Borchardt/Luger transitional pistol). The Luger is, essentially, a much improved Borchardt type pistol, which was itself based on the toggle action concept used by Sir Hiram Maxim in the world’s first practical machine gun. The Luger was so reliable and well liked that it was still being made and issued to German troops well after the P38 was adopted by the army. The largest percentage of Lugers were made by DWM, which became Mauser in 1930. During the war, the Germans used codes to disguise the manufacturer of their weapons, and the toggle links changed from DWM to S/42, 42 and finally byf. This 42 code example was made in late 1939, just after the outbreak of WWII. The pistol is in Very Good condition, showing normal wear in its blued finish, serialized parts matching, though the magazine catch and grips are replacements, and a decent bore. This pistol will be great for those wanting a piece of German history and for those collectors with an interest in German weaponry and 20th Century small arms. Please see our photos and good luck!