Possibility?
 

Could those grips be the heretofore undiscovered Walther, subliminally proofed, subcontracted, hand carved ivory variation?

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/antler_comp.jpg

Just a thought :confused: ,
Jack

Good eye Jack. I was trying to figure out that odd mark myself. Also, does anyone have any thoughts about the "FBM" mark on the frame rail and the odd cutout on the top front of the sideplate? I have a really wild guess. The emblem on the grip looks fairly crude and I think it might be laser cut. There is a paintball gun manufacturing outfit in Pennsylvania, right next door to Maryland, called Fireball Mountain. Their logo is a stylized FBM (not like on this gun) and they do custom laser engraving and anodizing. I suspect this gun was customized by a former owner, possibly by Fireball Mountain.

"My personal feeling is that the pistol is not in his original configuration.
Most probably this pistol was originally blued with ivory grips an after has been gold washed and the grips modified with the American Eagle.
Cheers,
Mauro"

After seeing the different photos, my impressions is that Mauro is correct. There are a lot of different colors here, it seems. It looks pretty well done, however. I particularly like the grips, though I usually don't like laser work on guns.

Let me get the local history from the owner..
 

..before we make any decisions. My understanding is that he bought it new from Interarms in VA, I belive while they were still in business, maybe late 60's (just a guess???). I'll find out, (not before Thursday) and I'll be back.

Just to clarify the marks in the previous topics:
The mark Jack refers is the Ulm Proofhouse Proof, 66 means 1966 and on the left the Eagle/Nitro proof.

FBM means Firmen Beschuss Mauser. It is the internal Mauser House proof used in the Parabellum exported in USA that doesn't need the Ulm proof and the date.

As far as the "cut" you mention Ron, it is common to all the Mauser Parabellum production. Don't ask me why :-)

Have fun.
Mauro

Well that makes a lot more sense than a paintball company customization!:D I still wonder about the grip decoration and gold finish. It doesn't look like Mauser quality .

Ron,
This is my impression as well. I have seen in these years several Mauser Parabellum "Special production" and the quality was always superbe.
This one seems not be alligned with the expected quality.

Ciao
Mauro

In answer to an earlier question on the number of photos you can put in a single post... I believe it is eight... and that includes smilies... :)