WWII German Mauser byf P.08 9MM Luger 4” Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,954.00
LSB#: LSB260128HS007
Make: Mauser (byf code)
Model: P.08
Serial Number: 959L
Year of Manufacture: 1942 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single and Double-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: On the left side of the frame is marked “P.08”. Numbered parts match. The left side of the slide is marked “8073”. The front of the frame under the barrel is marked “8073 / s”. The safety marking is visible. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with two WaA135 Waffenamts and an eagle clutching a spooky pinwheel. The top of the front toggle is marked “byf”, the top of the chamber ring is marked “42”. The left side of the magazine is marked “fxo / P.08” with a waffenamt37. The underside of the barrel is marked “959″. The right side of the barrel is marked with an angry bird. The left side of a barrel is marked with a waffenamt135. The underside of the safety switch is marked “GESICHERT”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-Notch integral to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. There is general handling wear and light scratches. There is verdigris between the peaks in some areas. A few peaks have chipped away. There are no cracks. The checkering is well defined. The frame has a lanyard bar and a lug at the bottom for a stock attachment. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is worn. There is light erosion and some scattered faint pitting. There is fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and operational wear. There is scratches and thinning throughout. There are spots of surface rust forming throughout. The receiver and barrel have light thinning throughout. Under the grip panels surface rust is forming. Most leading edges have finish loss. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Mauser “byf” code P.08 Luger represents wartime production of one of the most recognizable military pistols of the twentieth century. Manufactured in 1942 at the Mauser Oberndorf factory, these pistols were produced under wartime conditions while retaining the classic toggle locked design introduced by Georg Luger in the early 1900s. The P.08 served as the standard German service pistol through both World Wars and remains highly regarded for its precision machining and distinctive operation. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the cartridge introduced in 1902, the platform became one of the most widely adopted handgun calibers in the world.
This example retains about 92 percent of its original blue finish with handling and operational wear, scattered scratches, thinning on the leading edges, and areas of light surface rust including beneath the grip panels. The checkered wood grips show moderate wear with minor chipped peaks and areas of verdigris but remain intact with no cracks, rating in Good condition overall. The bore appears semi bright with worn rifling along with light erosion, faint pitting, and fouling present, rating 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly and the pistol includes one 8 round magazine. Overall, this pistol presents as a wartime Mauser produced P.08 Luger with typical service wear from 1942 production. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P