Look at Simpson's offering of '39 Mausers. Of the several he lists only one has numbered grips. I'd be more suspicious of that one than any of the others.

Gun looks good, including the reddish color. I would not worry a moment about the grips. Some were, some were not. You have a were not. No big deal. Bill

I'll second what Herman/abukafura said about George. I've bought severally Lugers from him, sight unseen and they've all been as-described. He's about as honest and as good a seller as you'll find. If he says the gun is righteous, it's righteous. Alvin's comment hold true too: your "gunsmith" questions it. How many Lugers has he personally handled? No offense intended against him, but I think it's a valid question to ask about his level of expertise. Ultimately though, if you're uncomfortable with the sale for any reason, stand down.
My .02

And I agree with Don. Typical Mauser.
The pistol looks excellent.

The number 86 inside the side plate is incorrect. From a different luger. TH

Tom:
Why is that? I would have expected 86 to be correct.
dju

The side plate is 100% correct. The inside number is always one higher that the first two digits: 86 versus 85.

The one digit higher is correct from my reaserch.

I forgot to ask George, is it import marked? Doubt it...

Thanks,
-Danny

No

George, I would give up - sounds like he has too many questions for me :)

And on too many forums...

Nothing wrong with being thorough :)

-Danny

I guess no ones time was 100% wasted, since I am
Going to be purchasing this one.

Thanks to George! And everyone else!

-Danny

We always tell guys to do their homework and ask questions before they buy, so I can't fault him for asking questions.:thumbup:

I wish I had asked as many on my first buy.

But I do agree with Ed, one forum is enough. Same guys, same pistol, = same answers. Just gets confusing.:eek:

I would love to have that one.
Bob

There is nothing wrong with the grips as far as I can see - unnumbered grips are not a big deal on these later Mausers. I would buy this gun.

Are you sure the " black line" isn't just the wood grain? Just about every gun I have with walnut grips has a mix of brown/red & black in the grips.

- Geo

That 1939 S/42 looks right as rain to me, it seems to be a honest war-horse and quite a nice collectible.

And Kudos to George-keoki, for being patient with this buyer and allowing this to be put on the board for scrutiny. A big thumbs up!

Got the Luger today and love it! Big shout out to everyone on this forum and especially George! Can't explain how excited I am and how grateful for everyone's help!

Thanks again everyone!