New (to me) BYF 42 and I have some questions
 

I bought a BYF 42 because the price was right and it was nice. Reblued though (long ago), so there is some marking loss under the barrel, which is the source of my question. It's not an import mark, and I can't make it all out. It's small type, in a line, and looks like "5(?)SSA" and then "R(P)(B)ENNCAU(H)KEN". The letters in parenthesis are all what the letter before it could be. I have no idea what follows the number 5 in the beginning. The serial number is 13Xb if that helps, marked with eagle 135 proofs.

Also what look like "-bf" with another small symbol above it on the receiver just below the barrel- I'll try and post a pic.

Any ideas?

I'd bet a dollar that it is an import marking... Too late made to be a pre-WW2 export marking, so most likely an importer marking.

A clear picture or 3 would help.


ed

That's exactly what I thought too- but the font is too big though, and there is actually what looks like an accent mark over the "A". The gun is all matching, including the magazine, everyone else that has seen it doesn't think it's an import mark either. I'm trying to figure out how to resize pics on this Mac so I can post them.

Well, I have seen import markings in all sizes and shapes; if you can't figure out how to resize, you can click on Albums and it will resize it there, or you can send them to me at weimar_lugers@verizon.net


Ed

Bamacop, could the barrel marking be ISSA, WEEHAWKEN?

I bought a shooter Luger 30 or so years ago that was marked in a similar fashion. In any case, I would bet it's an import mark.