Pre-WWII Mauser S/42 S42 P.08 P08 Luger 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1995
LSB#: 210903SG22
Make: Mauser
Model: P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 9521v
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 “9521”. The extractor is marked “21”, found again on the trigger, sideplate, 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 takedown lever and safety’s serial markings are obscured by erosion. 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 “9521 / v”. 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 “9521 / 8,85”. The bottom of the barrel is import-marked “GAI MIA FL” through the finish.
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 no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts have been force-matched.
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 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There are a few scattered minor marks through the finish. There are some light nicks and scratches under the finish. There is minor erosion under the finish with spots of erosion on the safety and takedown lever which obscure their serial markings. Some areas show a plum hue. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear except those noted. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine 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. The magazine has a blued body and an aluminum baseplate which has had its serial marking removed, leaving “u / +” and eagle over “63”. The magazine has operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in 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-Fine condition as refinished. Its new finish is generally strong, so the pistol looks great. Most serialized parts match, though some have been force-matched and there are a couple which are obscured by erosion. 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!