Pre-WWII Mauser S/42 S42 P.08 P08 Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1803
LSB#: 210913BM32
Make: Mauser
Model: P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 9207y
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine
Markings: The barrel extension is marked “1937” on the chamber ring, the left is marked “9207”. The extractor is marked “07”, found again on the trigger, sideplate, safety, takedown lever, the left of the firing pin, breech-block, top of the front toggle link, toggle pin, rear of the back toggle link, the sear, and bolt stop. The top of the front link is also marked “S/42” (Mauser production code). The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The front face of the frame is marked “9207 / y”. The left of the breech-block has an eagle inspection mark. The right of the barrel extension has two eagle over “63” waffenamts and an eagle inspection mark. The right-rear of the barrel has an eagle inspection mark. The bottom of the barrel is marked “9207 / 8,??”. The inside of each grip panel is marked “07”.
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 wood. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined, though their points are blunted. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts may have been force-matched.
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore with one spot of pitting near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There are spots of wear on the left of the barrel, the sideplate and some other scattered minor marks. There are some light nicks, scratches and minor erosion under the finish. There is some scattered minor oxidation, most in the grip areas and on the left of the frame. Some areas show a plum hue. The takedown lever’s detent/retaining spring is missing. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear with soft edges, except those noted with “??”. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however the takedown lever’s detent/retaining spring is missing. 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 has a blued body and an aluminum baseplate which is marked “9207 / y / +” and eagle over “63”. The magazine has operational wear, some minor oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in Very Good condition. Also included is a DWM manual and a brown leather flap holster. The holster has scattered light wear and appears to be for a C96 Mauser.
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 S/42 example was made in 1937, prior to Germany’s violation of the Munich Agreement or invasion of Poland, leading to the outbreak of WWII. The pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished. Its new finish is generally strong, so the pistol looks great. The serialized parts match, though some may have been force-matched. The bore is pretty good and the mechanics are strong, so it should make for a fun shooter. This pistol will also be good 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!