WWII Nazi German Mauser byf P.08 P08 Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2425
LSB#: 210913BM20
Make: Mauser
Model: Luger Model P.08 byf Code
Serial Number: 4357d
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 “4357”, the right has eagle over “135” waffenamts and an eagle clutching swastika mark. The bottom of the barrel is marked “4357 / 8,82”, the right of the barrel has an eagle clutching swastika mark, the left has eagle over “135”. The front of the frame is marked “4357 / d”. The sear is marked “57”, found again on the toggle pin, left of the breech-block, left of the firing pin, top of the extractor, top-rear of the front toggle, back of the rear toggle, takedown lever, trigger, sideplate, top of the bolt stop and safety. 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 left of the frame is marked “GESICHERT” at the safety.
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 black synthetic panels. The grips have moderate wear with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, more on the left panel than the right. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, most at the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its current metal finish. Most of the balance is in surface erosion, most of which is scattered along the top of the barrel, barrel extension and toggle train and the right frame rail. The finish is thinning at most edges. The finish is otherwise generally strong, with some areas having a plum hue. There are some scattered light marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. Most markings are clear, some are worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is barely perceptible 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 black leather flap-holster, a single 8-round magazine, and a takedown tool. The holster is marked “P.08”, “GRAF / 1940 / LEIPZIG” in oval, and eagle over “WaA170” waffenamt on the back. The holster shows scattered wear and discoloration with some broken stitching on the flap’s strap. The magazine is marked “fxo”, “P.08” and with two eagle over “37” waffenamts. The magazine has minor operational wear, a dent on the spine which does not interfere with the follower, 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. 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-code Luger pistol manufactured in 1942. The pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished, with about 85% of its current finish remaining. The bore is great and the mechanics are strong. This pistol will be neat for those wanting a piece of German history and for those collectors with an interest in German weaponry. The byf Lugers represent the last of the WWII Mauser-made Lugers and are a must-have for any Luger collector. Please see our photos and good luck!