Info on this Luger
 

I recently inherited this Luger from my Grandfather. I believe he got it from one of his brothers who came back from WWII. I want to display it, but I would like to know some history behind it first.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Marshall

Marshall,

Welcome to the forum.

Based on the dark photos it's a 42 byf which translates to made in 1942 by byf = Mauser.

Tom

all of the markings are either 52 or 42 or 4252. There is one near the barrel that says 135, 135, and appears to have an eagle stamp

and the letter appears to be an h or an upside down y

According to Still's the serial range for 42 byf is 500- 149m. So an h suffix would be correct. Estimated German military procurement 113,000

FN

Hello, Welcome to the Luger Forum. Serial number 4252h, 42 byf, was completed in May 1942, give or take a month. The time frame can only be estimated, based on a regular production schedule & the initial (or starting serial number). Hope this helps a little. :)

Does it appear to be in the orginal condition? Is that what differentiates a "shooter" from a "collector"? Should I try and remove the grips to verify #s? I am pretty sure it has been in our family since coming back to the USA.

Also, how could I determine and purchase the appropriate holster and tool for this pistol. I would like to create a display and pass it along to my son.

Thanks
Marshall

Is the number on the bottom of the magazine a match to the numbers on the Luger, itself?

the very bottom of the magazine is black plastic

there is a #37 below the fxo inscription on the side of the magazine

Your mag is the correct issue mag for a 42BYF. The proper loading tool should also have the E/135 WaA, but due to limited production, these are selling in the $150 range. A 1942 dated holster would be nice, but since the holsters were issued separately, any date, even a WW1, may have been what it was originally carried in. TH

As Tom says, a luger can be found in many dates. Personally, I try to find one that year, the year before and as a last resort, one from the year after (well, last, last resort is any holster)


Ed

the ones i see on ebay are either brown or black, would either color be appropriate?

any good pictures of displays that members have put together?

Thanks