Legit serial number range for 1939 Mauser 42 Code Luger?
 

I am very interested in purchasing a 1939 Mauser Luger P08 which is in very good condition. In researching what I could on the weapon the wartime period 63 stamps for that year appear to be valid on the weapon but the serial range is not matching what I am seeing for 1939. I am seeing 93,000 Code 42 lugers being manufactured in 1939 with serial numbers ranging from 2000q-5000z. All serial numbers I am seeing in this time period are 4 digit. Yet the serial number on this weapon is 3 digits, i.e. 734. Does not appear to be authentic. Can anyone confirm or explain is this may somehow be an authentic weapon from this time period. It is expensive obviously and I do not want to purchase unless I can validate it. Thanks for any help on this.

hi Tmskisic
 

And, welcome to the forum... I'm not the official greeter, but I can adlib if need be! :).... It doesn't matter whether the number is one thru four digits, as long as the suffix letter is in the correct range, you mentioned q to z? not sure if this is the range or not, more will probably post to that fact whether accurate or not? But from number 1 to number 9999 occurs thru every block of 10,000 guns, or so... It is still being debated as there are some feral dog serial numbers out there?.. Best to you, til...lat'r....GT....:cheers:

This gun has no suffix. Just serial code 734

G.T. is correct. Each suffix letter block begins with 1 and goes to 10,000. When 10000q was reached, the next block would begin with 1r. Therefore one, two and three digit serial numbers are legit.

In your case, once the z block ended at 10000z, the next block of 10000 would NOT have a suffix letter. The following block would begin with 1a ~ 10000a. IOW, each series through the alphabet began with a block of 10000 without a suffix letter.

These are photos of markings and serial number

After the "z" block
 

I'm just speculating right now, but the whole serial range dilemma can never be nailed down as absolute as there was almost always overlap between variations and their specific markings, plus "using up of old parts" has always been an undetermined variable as well?
But, if everything else on the gun was correct for a late variation 1939/42 then I would think it was just some overlap into the "no letter" range after the end of the "z" suffix? Start comparing font and strike size on the gun with other examples, it should become readily apparent if something is amiss? Good luck, might be your first major lesson in Luger collecting. Believe me, everyone here has been on the same cliff you currently occupy... Pictures would be great... otherwise, you've heard about all there is for now?.. best, til....lat'r....GT...:cheers:

So based on the statement that the first 10,000 after Z would not have a suffix it is possible to have a gun made with just this 734 serial number? Also I saw that the 655 stamps and 63 stamps were both used that year although it appears the 63 stamps were on the S/42 opposed to this 42 code? I am sure with all the conversions at that time it could have been stamped with either. Any thoughts on that?

Additional photos
 

Here are a few more photos to help in identification for this series of the luger. Any help with athentification greatly appreciated.

not likely...
 

Although possible, it is not likely that the end of the model serial range would have early variation markings? Especially in 1939. One could lightly cling to the idea that they thru the last of all the previous stuff in production right at the end of the year. The problem is that you're lacking other examples of the same variation. Soooo, anytime you have to explain why your Luger is different, it is a distraction and a lowering of the bar from textbook examples???
Doesn't mean it is not possible, again, not likely... best, til....lat'r....GT...:cheers:

pictures
 

Hi Troy, the picture we need is a very clear pic of the frame serial number and also the rounded part of the frame directly below the serial number? The suffix letter may be a bit below where you took the picture previously... The gun really looks nice? Others with more knowledge will probably jump in here... best, til...lat'r....GT:cheers:

I definately see a stamp under the serial number location. I thought it was just a marking. Going to have to ask for a clearer photo to see what it is. Will change everything if it is a suffix code. Thanks for the help. Will send a request to him.

Hi Troy!
 

Now you got it! In Luger collecting, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing??? :jumper: let us know... best, til...lat'r...GT

I would guess the suffix was in the range of r-w, based on the medium size of the SE-63 acceptance stamps. (Hallop & Kant page 192).

I would like to see the full frame front and the top view of the chamber and toggle, too.

Toggle view and more photos
 

This is what I have of the toggle and top of the gun

It definitely has a suffix letter. I can't be certain as it's not sharp but it looks like it MAY be an s.

I made a request for a photo of the suffix code location of the gun. Waiting on a reply. I so much appreciate all the help. Looking a lot better on being authentic. Will let you know what transponds from here. Thanks everyone. All have been a huge help and I appreciate it very much.

Legit SerialNumber
 

It looks like this pistol, 734, was refinished. Is that correct? The stamps on the receiver look buffed.

re-done?
 

Hi Aldo35, I think that the acceptance and proof stamps were applied prior to final finish and buffing/bluing? So, not sure? You'd have to have in hand to really tell? At this point with the pictures available, I'm guessing it's for real... But, again, wouldn't bet the house on it? ... I recommended to Troy to pursue it, as if real, it is real nice!!!.. Best, til....lat'r....GT...:cheers:

Follow up, I private messaged Troy and advised he inspect the unit further in order to determine originality of the finish? My gut feeling is, by the pictures shown, still, that it is original, but better and more clear photos might (probably will!) prove me wrong.. It will be interesting to find out... I'm at the end of my ability to add anything further, some of you Mauser guys need to chime in, maybe some comp pics of the proofs! Best to all, til.....lat'r....GT

The photos don't show sharp focus detail in areas that would be critical to judge the pistol, and the appearance may be related to the lighting that the photographer is using in the lightbox, but the impression I have from the barrel, front locking bolt, and edges of the acceptance marks is that the Luger's receiver (at minimum) and locking bolt has been refinished and buffed.

It's very difficult to judge finish without the gun in hand. Also, the seller has given you photo after photo without showing the key image of the front of the frame above the trigger guard where the pistol's legal serial number with the suffix letter is shown. They don't know Lugers.

i would be inclined to offer no more than a shooter Luger's value on buying this. Perhaps $1200 in today's market - more if I had it in hand and could confirm it's original finish and all matching.

is the magazine matching? Is it period correct? Was it manipulated to match, or factory matching? Good sharp photos would help us judge this, and it would add to value if factory matching.

This Luger has either been refinished or NEVER shot. The rear view shows NO toggle marks on the frame...to me. It could be my eyes or the photos, but that is what I see. I also see rounding of the takedown edges, and a few other areas that concern me if this Luger is being represented as all original.