what is this gun?
 

My father-in-law gave me a Luger he brought home after WWII.
I have downloaded the Luger ID form but don't know how to properly answer the questions or where to send the form. I have taken photos of markings on the gun (attached).
All exterior serial numbers match, including the single clip/magazine.
The date on the chamber is 1940.
Can you tell me what I have, please

Welcome to the forum!
You have a Mauser Luger made in 1940. Clearer photos of the frame and serial number would be nice, as I see some font differences between the frame and barrel numbers. The gun looks correct but closer photos would help.

A photo of the magazine base is also very important to see if it is a truly a matching mag. Both barrel and frame numbers will be easier to photo if you disassemble the gun.

HI Jim, and welcome to the forum.

Post color pictures if possible. Your Luger appears to be all matching and in original finish, which makes it collectable.

You'll need to check the toggle train parts to confirm that they match, and look for the number inside the trigger plate (it should be "77"). If you remove the grips to check their internal markings, do so carefully. It's very easy to break them near the safety lever on the left side of the pistol.

As mentioned, photograph the magazine including it's base from the bottom and the side.

Check with your Father in Law to see if he still has the "Capture Papers" that authorized him to return to the USA with the pistol. They add to the history of it.

Marc

Welcome to the forum Jim you came to the right place.

The font changes between barrel and frame are common. Seems to be especially true of the number 3. Generally rounded 3 on one and straight line 3 on the other. This was discussed at length a few years ? ago. From the pictures appears to be a nice Mauser. Bill

Responses to the replies to date:

I will upload the color pictures, thank you. I went with b&w for resolution at the small size.
I have the magazine base but it was photo # 11 and the first pass I was allowed only 10. I will exchange it for one of the 10 in the color batch.
I will also disassemble the gun to get photos of internal parts.

My father-in-law is deceased but he did give me a document with the gun that authorized him to bring the gun home. Right now I cannot locate this document and I am afraid I may have lost it. I will continue to look for it.

Thank you for any help.

Jim Shane

This is a super nice Luger. I like it.

Yes, a nice Luger...have you taken it apart to see if everything like the grips etc match...

Welcome to the forum, you have acquired a very nice which looks to be matching luger, congrats.

PM sent.

I saw you advertising wanting to sell the pistol. I posted this up before, and its your gun and your circumstances. But if at all possible, the gun is a part of the family history. If at all possible, maybe try holding onto it for a bit before you decide to sell. Alot of us have made the quick decision to sell off our family treasures. Only to realize as we get older that the wad of cash you get today will be gone in a few days to a week. Keeping the hierloom will always be a treasure.

Agreed, I would love to inherit some heirloom myself, but all of my family collect nothing of value, let alone collect anything. If it was me I would keep it, but then again I am a fan of old Lugers or military memorabilia.
Sad part is all my grandfathers fought in World Wars as well.

Now one mans treasure can be another mans heartache to deal with selling or getting rid of. I think this is all of my families thoughts, no point collecting or keeping something that may or may not have any value or desire to another generation family member.