Quote: George Anderson:
"The grips were made for whoever would buy them. Mauser was authorized by the army in 1939 to secure ersatz plastic grips for the P08's when shipments of walnut grips were interupted. Very, very few show up on '39 Lugers and then in 1940, while still rare, they are a bit more common. Brown plastic grips were also used in 1940."

Hey George, where did you find this authorization? Reference? Any information would be appreciated!

:)

Still's "Third Reich Lugers" somewhere around page 60 I believe.

Here are a couple of photos of 1940 through 1942 Mauser Lugers. The first is a group I have now that include a 1940/42 with bakelite grips, top right, and go counterclock wise to the top left where sits a byf 42 with matching serial numbered walnut grips and aluminum based magazine. The pistol sequence is 40/42 sn 5949h, 40/42 sn 7263i, 41/byf sn 5860u, 41/byf 7923u, banner 41 sn 831y, 42/byf sn 188k. As you can see there is no rhyme or reason as to where the bakelite grips show up with the oldest having bakelite grips and the last walnut. All a matter of manufacturing expediance and nothing else.

This pistol belongs to a friend. As you can see it has brown bakelite grips. It is a 1940 dated 42 code as two above. The serial number is 1768g which places its production before all those above.

George, thanks!! :D