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My byf 42
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I just purchased a Walther P38 for my collection that renewed my interest in my firearms. I brought out my byf 42 P-08 to look it over, take some photos and do more research. I didn't really remember just how clean this gun was until I started snapping the attached photos. :)
I purchased this gun from a couple of brothers that were selling off their deceased veteran brothers estate. The story told to me was this gun was captured by their brother during the Battle of the Bulge. It was disassembled and stored in a safety deposit box in a bank. The brothers had no interest in weapons and were just interested in liquidating the estate. I was fortune enough to be offered this piece for my collection. It has not been refinished and I would just guess the original finish to be close to 100%. There is very slight signs of finish wear on the left side high point of the receiver. I'm guessing from the FEW times it was holstered. It's a byf 42 with all matching serial numbers of 44. I have the holster with breakdown tool and both mags. The holster looks fairly good considering it's age but one belt loop is broken at the top. This MAY be repaired, I'll have to look into that. Interesting also was that I was also given what I was told was the issue box of ammunition that was captured WITH this gun. It's a box of 16 rounds. Box is dated, it appears, with Mar 1939. Markings on the underside of the barrel is the serial number 44, the numbers 8,82, and on the receiver #44 and a "d" in script. Anybody know what the d represents? I have searched the internet, this and several other forums for information on this Luger. Since the records for 42's aren't very plentiful, I am posting these photos and the story so you guys can post comments or any information to give me more history on this one. Many thanks!!!! :cheers: |
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Alright, how do I add multiple photos in one post?
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#14 and last one...
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Okay, still reading, searching and learning. Lots of good info on this site and some GREAT resources in the membership. Many thanks for that!!!!
I've learned the "d" under the barrel on the frame is the series stamp. Serial number 44 of the series "d" run. The 8,82 on the underside is the gauge markings. What I will continue to look for is some estimate of the date of manufacture, total number of units in this series and approximate value of the piece and associated items. Thanks again folks for any information. :cool: |
Condition seems fantastic!
What are the magazine bottoms numbered? Matching magazines rocket the value of the pistol upward at a suprising rate. One matching mag is worth many hundreds of dollars more, two is almost unheard of. (I said almost) My knowledge is growing, and others will likely chime in that can give you better info, but the mag numbers are a first step. Darin |
Thanks for the response Darin. I'll take a closer look this evening but don't recall seeing the serial stamped on the bottom of the mags. They both were with the rig so I just imagine they are the original issue. One has gloss black grip knobs (maybe not the correct name) and the other (that was originally in the extra mag slot) has silver grip knobs. Both are stamped fxo and the eagle 37 proof markings and I think the eagle 135 close to the top of the mag. If mags were in deed serialed to the guns, I'm sure these are the issued ones for this gun. I have no reason to doubt the sellers.
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Very nice 42 byf ! The un numbered black plastic bottom magazine is correct for all 1942 byf lugers. The numbering of the aluminum bottoms ended in late 1941.
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Hello ezman!! REALLY NICE Rig, except for the broken holster strap. Serial Number 44d for a 42 byf was completed about February 1942. Proper magazines for this pistol will be "fxo" type, either aluminum or black plastic bottoms, without any markings on the bottom. I wish it were mine!! :)
Whoops, I forgot!! All letter series of Military Mauser Lugers had 10,000 pistols. Startind at 1d and finishing at 9999d, in your case. |
MANY thanks for the comments and information. I'm just on the outset of my information gathering and you folks have helped me tremendiously already!!! I'm planning on purchasing some literature to further my knowledge and hopefully help out other members during my quest.
Any ballpark guesses as to value, based on what you have paid, sold or seen items go for? I really need a close value for insurance purposes. Thanks to all again. GREAT site and I hope to be able to contribute. David "ezman" |
One other question, for now. :)
I've seen several holsters with names scratched in the back. I'm guessing these were the G.I. names of the guys that got pocession of these and NOT the personnel that these were actually issued to? :rolleyes: |
My estimates for a private sale
Pistol $1500-2000 Holster $150-200 (more if it was undamaged) magazines $150-250 EACH takedown tool at least $50... You could add at least $500 if this gun was for sale by a dealer. You could easily deduct $500 to 700 if you sell it to a dealer. a VERY NICE Luger ! ! ! |
Many thanks John and ALL for your help.
My next step will be to find someone reputable to repair the holster. If anyone has any recommendations, I would appreciate some contact info. My P-08 will be oiled lightly and replaced in my locked gun cabinet for display. My newly acquired byf 44 P-38 will reside opposite it. Just wish it (P-38) was in as good of condition as this one. :cheers: |
David,
Jerry Burney is the man for all your holster repair needs. Here is his email address. lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net Tom |
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Haven't seen that name etched on a holster. :cool: |
Take the recommendation of Tom A above... Jerry Burney is the ONLY person to send your holster to for repair...
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Just to give a picture of how bad it can get if someone without knowledge should fix the holster.. Let me tell you of the only LP08 holster I have ever owned. It was in great shape, except a tear in one of the belt loops. Barely holding the loop together. I went to a saddler with it, and we agreed that he should change both to make colours matching.
When I received the holster, he attached them not like loops, but straight on if you understand what I mean. It was impossible to even stick a little finger under them, and was much to narrow for a normal belt! Sold the holster later on for less than half of what I paid for it.. lesson learned for me :rolleyes: |
Excellent...thanks. Have already been in contact with Jerry and making arrangements to ship this week. THANK you very much for the comments and advise!!!!!
Now, anybody need any return favors with computer advise? LOL Be sure to pm me if you do. I'll help wherever I can. :D |
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MANY thanks folks. You definitely called that one right. MANY thanks to Jerry. Here's a photo of his superb craftsmanship. I would imagine my entire rig just went up in value quite a bit. :)
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Exactly what i would have expected to see... you would have to know it had been repaired... His skills in Luger holster repair are LEGENDARY!
Thanks for sharing the photos and JERRY! All I can say is WOW! |
Luger Still
This Luger has been the center piece of my collection for many years. It has been a safe queen and handled VERY little since this post. I have decided to part with it and allow someone else to enjoy and display this museum quality piece. I have it on consignment at a local gun shop and asked that he list it online. So it's presently on Gunbroker.com.
If anyone is interested just drop me a message and I'll send you the link. If it's appropriate, I may start a classified ad with a link to the auction. But I will accept a reasonable offer. Thanks all. |
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