Pre-WWII Mauser S/42 S42 P.08 P08 Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2185
LSB#: 210609MW18
Make: Mauser
Model: P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 2591z
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 “2591”. The extractor is marked “91”, found again on the takedown lever, trigger, sideplate, safety, 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 “2591 / z”. 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 “2591 / 8,84”. The alloy magazine floorplate is marked “2591 / z / +” and with an eagle over “63” waffenamt. The inside of each grip panel is marked “91”.
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 have light handling wear with a few scattered nicks and scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some minor handling wear in the grip areas and on the controls. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition.
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 single 8-round magazine. The magazine has a blued body and an aluminum baseplate serial-matched to the pistol. The magazine has light operational wear, some scattered surface erosion, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in Good-Very Good condition.
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-plus condition, showing wear consistent with holster use, all-matching serialized parts and a nice bore. This pistol will be great 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!