WWII German Mauser 42 Code P.08 Luger 9mm 4” Semi-Automatic Pistol 1939 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,680.00
LSB#: LSB250924MG006
Make: Mauser
Model: P.08 Luger
Serial Number: 5380S
Year of Manufacture: 1939 -C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Fed By Removable Magazine
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. There is light handling wear. The grips have minor handling wear with a few scattered small marks. The right panel has a patch of scraped off checkers toward the top. The left panel has a few peaks chipped off. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished. The serial-marked parts are matching. The alloy plated magazine does not match.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with defined rifling. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling and storage wear. There are some small scratches throughout. The muzzle has some light finish loss. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are somewhat clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good 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 with non-matching alloy floorplate.
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 was transferred to 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 42 code example was made in late 1939, just after the outbreak of WWII. The pistol is in Very Good condition, retaining much of its original finish, and strong mechanics. The pistol itself has serial matching parts, though the magazine is a replacement. 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! -N.P
