WWII Nazi German Mauser byf P.08 P08 Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2100
LSB#: 210227AM08
Make: Mauser
Model: Luger Model P.08 byf Code
Serial Number: 9203d
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine
Markings: The barrel extension is marked “42” on the chamber ring, the left is marked “9203”, the right has eagle over “135” waffenamts and an eagle clutching swastika mark. The bottom of the barrel is marked “9203”, the right of the barrel has an eagle clutching swastika mark. The left of the breech-bolt has an eagle clutching swastika mark. The sear is marked “03”, found again on the toggle pin, the top of the extractor, left of the breech-block, top-rear of the front toggle, back of the rear toggle, left of the firing pin, takedown lever, trigger, and safety. Given the refinishing and the condition of the markings, it is likely that some of these parts have been force-matched. The bolt stop is marked “53”. The left of the frame is marked “P.08”. The top of the front toggle is marked “byf”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The inside of the right grip panel is marked “BYF”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp 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 wood panels. The grips have a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion throughout the bore, heavier in the grooves than the lands.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. There is scattered surface erosion and pitting under the finish, most notable in the reliefs at the top-rear of the frame and the bottom of the frame rails. Some areas of the finish have an almost matte appearance while others are polished. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. Most markings are clear, some are worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is no 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 and a black nylon Ruger zipper case. The magazine has some sort of deformation at the top, sticking a little bit on insertion and removal and preventing the follower from moving smoothly when at the top of the body. The magazine is mostly worn to white with some scattered nicks and scratches, in about Fair condition. The zipper case has had the Ruger logo modified, how having an “L” in the phoenix and the “RUGER” marking has been changed to “LUGER”. Otherwise, the case shows minor wear, intact stitching and the zipper functions properly, in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
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. The byf marked Lugers were the last made by Mauser before they were forced to abandon the Luger in favor of the P38. This is a Mauser Model P.08 byf Luger pistol manufactured in 1942. The pistol is in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished, with about 95% of its current finish remaining. The bore is gray with well defined rifling and scattered erosion. This pistol will be great for those wanting a piece of German history and for those collectors with an interest in German weaponry. The byf Lugers represent the very last Mauser made Lugers and are a must-have for any Luger collector. Please see our photos and good luck!