1940 42 mag/grip questions
 

Hello, I am new to the forum. I just picked up my first Luger yesterday. It is a 1940 42 with all numbers matching. My head hurts from all the reading here but had specific questions that I couldnt find the answers to:

1. What would be the original mags for this weapon? It came with a plastic bottom mag (P08 fxo eagle 37) no serial number.

2. It has what appear to be original bakelight grips. I read that a 1940 would not have these. Would walnut grips be correct and would the originals be stamped or marked with anything?

Thank you.

Zac, welcome to the forum. Did you get a chance to read the FAQ, it has info on black grips?

I am not a 3rd Reich expert by any means; but would expect it to have a aluminum base mag, mostr likely eagle 655 marked and "should" have the serial number on it. Finding this exact number is worse than a needle in a hay stack, and to make one is considered bad form ;)

The grips I would expect to be wood, not sure if walnut is correct, but to tell you the truth I am unsure. And again would be last two of the serial number and marked eagle 655.

If "real" black bakelite grips, they are worth a couple of hundred if in good shape.

Ed

Hi Tin Man, welcome!! Ed is correct on the grips. They should be wooden and marked with the last two digits of the serial number.

Now for the magazine; the type and configuration depends on the serial number. It's important to know both the number AND letter suffix, if there is one. This information is located on the front of the frame, just below the barrel.

The fxo magazine and black grips are appropriate for a late 41 byf or 42 byf.

Congrats on your new Luger!!

1940 dated 42 code Lugers, though rarely, are known to have brown bakelite grips. If yours are correct they add to the value.

Thanks for the responses. The grips are black and do appear to be original bakelight grips - just not original to this pistol. I believe the former owner(s) wanted to make it a "black widow". It was a trade-in at a gun store so I don't know its history.

Zac