Need help with Luger markings
 

My dad was given a Luger by a friend of his and there are some markings I can't find a reference to. I'd really like to know the history of the gun. The S/42 and Crown N tell me it's a commercial model made by Mauser (right?) but the serial number has been x'd out and restamped. The last two digits on the old AND new serial number match the numbers on the rest of the gun. What does the restamping mean (who did it and why?) Also, what does the scripted letter "u" refer to in the front? Finally, it's not for sale but does anybody have an idea of it's worth? Thanks in advance.

Hi, This is most likely a Russian Capture / East German rework.

It is a mix of parts with different origins. The presence of the over stampings indicate that this was matched by the East German arsenal during the rework process. As such, it's likely a complete gun as reworked, with matching magazine.

There are a subset of Luger collectors that focus on these reworked guns.

- The S/42 and Crown N tell me it's a commercial model made by Mauser (right?) but the serial number has been x'd out and restamped.

- The Crown over N barrel is a commercial barrel. It was not original to the gun.

- Need to see the proof marks on the front right of the receiver.

- The S/42 toggle is a Mauser toggle. It's contemporary with the 1938 receiver. These should have military proof marks on them.

The last two digits on the old AND new serial number match the numbers on the rest of the gun.

- Except for the barrel, this is probably mostly a 1938 Mauser. The takedown lever is an East German replacement.

What does the restamping mean (who did it and why?)

- They were added during the rework process as the parts were matched.

Also, what does the scripted letter "u" refer to in the front?

- It's part of the original serial number.

Finally, it's not for sale but does anybody have an idea of it's worth? Thanks in advance.

- These were imported in fair numbers about a decade ago. At that time they sold for $375-$450. Today, probably $500-600 for an average one. Your's is particularly nice, and would probably bring more from a collector focused on these Lugers.

Marc

1st pic clearly shows a Mauser "hump"...

The bulge on the sideplate has nice square unworn edges...somewhat unusual...

My guesstimate on value is $750 - $800...Based on recent prices of sold Lugers on GB and the evidence of little or no use since refurbed... :)

You have an East German "VoPo" police Luger. Captured by the Russians and issued post WWII to the EG Police. Note the "Sun Burst" police property mark stamp, forward of the serial number.

The 1 on the magazine indicates a police magazine, and the primary magazine. The spare would be stamped 2. The Crown N marked barrel is a new manufactured East German replacement.

Depending on markings, these will range from $700-$1000 in value, in a strong market. At present, it would probably sell for $700 - $800. They are getting harder to find, and becoming collectible in their own category.

Ron

Mark Castel has some illuminating evidence of VOPO refurbs on his P38 site...Here's a link to an East German Police P38 showing the VOPO sunburst and the Crown/N barrel proof...

http://www.p38guns.com/6912VOPO.htm

Mark has some VOPO Lugers there, too...I just happened to be on the P38 pages looking at my P38 markings... :)

http://www.p38guns.com/East German Guns.htm

For the life of me I can't see the "sunburst" in front of the serial number. Is it fairly worn? Also, here is the right side with more markings.

Here's the Sun Burst..

It's difficult to make out any detail in your photo of the right side of the receiver.

The three markings toward the front of the Luger are the inspection marks and proof. E/63 was one of the inspectors that was active in 1938.

The other letters are an import mark applied when the gun was brought into the USA.

Marc

The side plate is most likely a newly made VOPO replacement part and stamped to match. It has similar characteristics of the one shown in this pic...
http://www.p38guns.com/9747a.jpg