Info on a 1936 S-42, please!
 

I am looking at a 1936 S-42 luger for sale, that is supposedly early '36. It doesn't have any of the Nazi proof marks, but has Weimar proofs and all matching numbers.
Have any of you folks ever heard of such a gun? I can't find any information in my books on it. All the information that I have indicates that all of the S-42s were made for military use and I would imagine that they would have all of the military proofs. The only thing I can imagine is that the gun has been reconditioned and the proofs polished off. It's a mystery to me.
As always, any information would be appreciated.
Hopefully, I will have some photos soon.
Thanks, barr44.

Hi,

What do you mean by "Weimar" proofs? 1936 S/42 proofs are all "Down wing/Droop wing" eagles the Army acceptance stamp would be a Droop Wing Eagle over 63. The Nazi style, or Straight wing/Stick wing eagles weren't used until 1937. It sounds like an honest 1936 S/42. The finish should be a satin rust blue, and the small parts should all be strawed.

Ron

Not sure about Weimar proofs!
 

Ron,
I'm not sure about Weimer proofs, that is what the seller has told me is on the gun. I did get some info from seller and the gun has been refurbished or reconditoned by the Germans supposedly. He thinks he has it sold so I don't think I will get any more info on it.
However, if I do, I will cont. this post.
Thanks, barr

barr,

Highly unlikely that it was refinished or refurbed in Germany. The Weimar Era ended in 1933 when the Nazis came to power with Hitler.

Possibly a recent reblue/refinish, in which case it is nothing more than a shooter and all collector value is lost. 1936 S/42s are relatively common, and can be found at a relatively good price, in good original condition.

Be very careful, Lugers can get an unknowlegable, or even a knowledgable buyer burnt in short order. We've all been there. It's part of Luger collecting 101.

Before you buy one, try to get good clear photos and post them here. You'll get more advice than you can swim with. There are no dumb questions, except those that are never asked.

Ron

Thanks Ron!
 

Thanks, Ron
I appreciate the reply. Yes, I do absolutely know this is the place to come to before you buy.
I had thought it to be strange on that particular gun, not to have the regular Nazi military acceptance marks. I hadn't run across such a piece, so I was already wary of what it might be.
I have been warmed up some on a couple of buys, but the more I visit this great forum, the more I learn.
Thanks, again, barr