New Luger Owner - Need Some Help
 

Hello
I just purchased a P.08 Luger in December and am curious on a few things.
It is a byf marking with "42" and has the proof markings similar to "Proof 4" page on this website, item numbers 46 & 47. The last one on each.
There is a marking under the barrel that appears to be a lower case script letter "K".
The gun is in excellent condition, all matching numbers (except the clip) and appears it may have been reblued. It has fairly new walnut wooden grips which I assume are repo's.
The serial number is 4 numbers but no suffix.

How can I go about better pinpointing when this gun was manufactured?
I've noticed many have a cream color highlight in the stampings and proof marks. Mine does not, so that's why I believe it may have been redone.
Any assist you can provide would be appreciated.
Thanks/Larry

Hi Larry,

The whitening of markings is done by collectors to improve visibility of the stamps. It's not original to the gun (except in the 'gesichert' area, where it IS original).

Your BYF (Mauser) was made in 1942. It's difficult to say whether it's correct or not without pictures. Many guns were refurbished, even partially rebuilt during the early post war years.

Thanks Vlim
 

I appreciate the information you provided and I'll try and post some photos this weekend.

Larry