Pre-WWII Mauser S/42 S42 P.08 P08 Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1600
LSB#: 211016JL08
Make: Mauser
Model: P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 1808f
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine
Markings: The barrel extension is marked “1938” on the chamber ring, the left is marked “1808”. The extractor is marked “08”, found again on the takedown lever, trigger, sideplate, safety, the left of the firing pin, breech-block, top of the front toggle link, rear of the back toggle link, the sear, toggle pin, and the 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 “1808 / f”. The left of the breech-block has an eagle inspection mark. The right of the barrel extension has three shallow, incomplete markings. The bottom of the barrel is marked “1808 / 8,82”. The magazine floorplate is marked with “1808 / f” and eagle over “63” waffenamt. The inside of each grip panel is marked “08”.
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 walnut. The grips show light handling wear with some light nicks and scuffs. There is a more notable patch of compressed checkers on the right panel toward the bottom-front and a spot of discoloration on the left panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout, with wear on leading, raised edges. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, mostly in the grip areas. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish and a few scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear. The takedown lever’s detent spring is missing. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete, some have been removed completely. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The takedown lever’s detent spring is missing. Otherwise, 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 single blued magazine with alloy floorplate. The magazine has operational wear and some minor surface oxidation with 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. Before and during the war, the Germans used codes to disguise the manufacturer of their weapons as well as the quantity produced, and the toggle links changed from DWM to S/42, 42 and finally byf. This S/42 example was made in 1938, 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, and while it has been refinished, it retains serial-matching parts including the grips and magazine. The pistol shows light operational and handling wear in its otherwise strong finish. It retains generally strong mechanics and a good bore. This pistol will be nice for those wanting a piece of German history and for those collectors with an interest in WWII weaponry and 20th Century small arms. Please see our photos and good luck!