WWII Nazi German Mauser 42 P.08 P08 9mm Luger Semi-Auto Pistol, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 210427OF05
Make: Mauser
Model: Luger Model P.08
Serial Number: 8305i
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Toggle Type Striker-Fired Semi-Auto, Removable Magazine
Markings: The barrel extension is marked “1940” on the chamber ring, the left is marked “8305”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “8305” and “8,81”. The sideplate is marked “05”, found again on the takedown lever, the top of the extractor, left of the breech-block, top-rear of the front toggle, back of the rear toggle, the safety, the bolt stop, the trigger, the sear and left of the firing pin. The toggle pin is marked “06”. The front toggle link has “42”. The left of the extractor is marked “GELADEN”. The left of the breech-bolt is marked with an eagle clutching swastika, found again on the right of the barrel and the right of the barrel extension. The barrel extension also has eagle over “655” waffenamts. The floorplate of the magazine is marked “5805 / r / +” and eagle over “63”. The inside of the right grip panel is marked “88”, the inside of the left “14”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp 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 moderate handling wear with some areas worn smooth. There are a few scattered nicks and scratches. The left panel has a tiny loss at the top edge. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 50% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish wear and patches of light surface erosion throughout. The worn areas have gone to a light patina. the action shows operational wear. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The takedown lever spring is missing. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however the takedown lever spring is missing. 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 light operational wear, infrequent minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about 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 42 code example was made in 1940, just as Germany was consolidating their dominance over Western Europe. The pistol is in about Good-plus condition, retaining about 50% of its metal finish, a decent bore and strong mechanics apart from the missing takedown lever spring. The serialized parts are mostly matching, with the toggle pin, grips and magazine being replacements. 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!