WWII German Mauser byf P.08 9MM Luger 4” Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,905.00
LSB#: LSB260618MR078
Make: Mauser (byf code)
Model: P.08
Serial Number: 5538u
Year of Manufacture: 1941 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Short-Recoil, Toggle-Locked, Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable 8-Round Magazine.
Markings: On the left side of the frame is marked “P.08”. Numbered parts match “38”. The left side of the barrel extension is marked “5538”. The front of the frame under the barrel is marked “5538 / u”. The safety marking is visible. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with two WaA655 Waffenamts and an eagle clutching a spooky pinwheel. The top of the front toggle is marked “byf”, the top of the chamber ring is marked “41”. The underside of the barrel is marked “5538 / 8,83″. The right side of the barrel is marked with an angry bird. The left side of a barrel is marked with a waffenamt655. The underside of the safety switch is marked “GESICHERT”. The magazine floor plate is marked “38 / s”. The left side of the magazine is marked “fxo” and a WA37.
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 wood. There is general handling wear and light scratches. There is verdigris between the peaks in some areas. A few peaks have chipped away. There are no cracks. 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 Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is worn. There is light erosion in the bore. There is fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and operational wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. There are spots of surface rust forming throughout. The frame and barrel have light thinning throughout. Most leading edges have finish loss. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fair – Good condition.
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 and leather holster.
Our Assessment: The German P.08 Luger is one of the most recognizable military sidearms of the 20th century, combining Georg Luger’s distinctive toggle-locked action with superb machining and an unmistakable grip profile. Adopted by the German Army in 1908, the P.08 remained in frontline service through both World Wars even after the Walther P.38 began replacing it. This example was manufactured by Mauser in 1941, as indicated by the “byf” maker code on the toggle and “41” chamber date, with Eagle/655 military acceptance markings appropriate for Mauser production. Serial number 5538u is matching on the frame, barrel extension, and barrel, while the smaller numbered components are marked “38” to match the final two digits. The included fxo/Eagle 37 magazine is a period-correct C.G. Haenel military P.08 magazine, though it does not appear to be serial-matched to the pistol.
This pistol retains approximately 80% of its original blue finish with scratches, thinning, scattered surface rust, operational wear, and finish loss along the leading edges and other high points. The checkered walnut grips remain in Good condition with general handling wear, light scratches, several chipped checkering peaks, and some verdigris between the checkering, but no cracks. The bore is semi-bright with worn rifling, light erosion, and fouling in the grooves, rating 6/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, though we did not fire this pistol. One 8-round magazine and a leather holster are included. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P