42 or S42?
 

I keep seeing comments about Lugers with 42 or S42 markings on the toggle top, but with different made dates on barrel. Which came first, 42 or S42? And which is more collectable?
All answers greatly appreciated.

"S/42" was first... then "42" followed by "byf"

Collectibility is a very subjective thing... I will let someone else comment on rarity...

Thank you for the fast response. At a local gun shop, the other day, a few of us were talking about 42 versus S42. No one realy knew which came first. This is finally cleared up.
This forum is great.

For me the 42 (from the S/42, 42, and the byf) dated 41 is the rarest since only about 7000 were made.
Alf

I agree, the 41 is a great Luger. How many of the 1939 code 42s were made?

Hello again W David. Approximately 85,500 1939 Code 42 Lugers were produced. :)

Thanks to everyone for all the answers.