German Mauser S/42 G Code P.08 9MM Luger 4” Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1935 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
LSB#: LSB250622BR019
Make: Mauser
Model: P.08, S/42 G Code, First Subvariation
Serial Number: 4122 a
Year of Manufacture: 1935
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Striker Fire, Single Action, Toggle Lock, Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazines.
Markings: Numbered parts match apart from the hold open latch “82”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “4122 / 8,83”. The right side of the barrel is marked with an army acceptance mark. The front toggle link is marked “22 / S/42 / 22”. The left side of the receiver is marked “4122”. The right side of the receiver is marked with two acceptance stamp “B|90” and “S|91” and an eagle army stamp. The front of the frame is marked “4122 / a”. The left side of the frame under the safety toggle switch is marked “GESICHERT”. The right side of the magazine is marked “HENEL SCHMEISSER PATENT”. The bottom of the magazine is marked “1 / 8272”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-Notch integral to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. There is general handling wear and light scratches. A few peaks have chipped away. The checkering is well defined. The frame has a lanyard bar and a lug at the bottom for a stock attachment. The grips rate in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Small Parts Strawed
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is defined. There is light to mild erosion and some scattered light pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There is scratching present throughout and oxidization. There is a scuff on the right side of the barrel extension. There is surface rust in the mag well, behind the trigger, and inside the cocking nobs. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine with aluminium floorplate. This magazine’s overall condition rates in about Very Good overall.
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. This pistol’s markings indicate it is a Mauser Luger pistol manufactured in 1935, just before the Germans were beginning to openly violate the Versailles treaty. Before this brazen act, the Germans rearmed secretly, in violation of the treaty. Codes were used for both the manufacturers and the manufacture years of arms, with the “S/42” and “G” markings on this pistol intended to obscure who made it and when. Please look at our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P.
