New guy with a 41 byf marking question.
 

Hello, I'm Joe. I just picked up my first Luger at Tulsa last weekend, it's import marked and mostly matching except for the firing pin and mag. If anyone would care to point out anything about it please do; as I know next to nothing.
There is a strange marking just forward of the trigger guard, under the take down lever. Would anyone be familiar with it? It looks like a star burst with maybe a shield, inside.
Nice Board and Thank You,
Joe

Could be Russian capture put into E. German service. A VOPO?

The marking in question appear to be post WW2 DDR proof marks, which are usually stamped on the left receiver above the serial #. There appears to be another marking in that area aft of the serial. Clear close-ups of both areas would be helpful. If your barrel has a C/N proof and perhaps a 3 digit date below the C/N, this could be the reason for the E.German reproofing. TH

Hi Joe,

Welcome to the forum.

The mark following the SN is a Russian stamped X. It's a Russian Capture, issued to East German police,(DDR VOPO). The DDR police property stamp isn't commonly found on VOPOs. Not rare, but not common, and would add some desirability to VOPO collectors. Not a bad "first" Luger.

Ron

Not bad also considering it appears to have original "Black Widow" grips on it as well.

Hi thank you for the replies. The barrel is original. No crown n markings, how do you tell if the grips are original? So is it a VOPO?

"So is it a VOPO?"

Joe,

Without a doubt...yes it is. A nice one to have.

Ron

Send close up photos of the reverse side of the grips for board members to determine authenticity..

Grip pics.