P08 grip tool
 

An interesting tool turned up last week. It fits the magazine well of a P08 exactly, and it is marked:

'Pist. 08 Griffstück 29138'

The numbering appears to be similar to that used on other P08 related tools and gauges. Judging from the shape and size I think it is a relatively early piece, dating from the late 1920s, early 1930s.

It was probably used to check and fix issues with the P08 grip, as it can be used to force the grip back into shape.

...???...The steel part of the frame 'grip'??? Or the checkered wood 'grip' panels??? :confused:

I would think the steel frame...Although I don't quite see how...Unless maybe you inserted this and then beat on the frame with a hammer... :p

Hardened???

The frame itself, of course :)

It is hardened steel and shows some signs of serious pounding here and there. It fits snugly into the magazine well area, so it can be used to 'fix' frame issues. Similar to the magazine straightening tool, which is inserted into the magazine tube.

Gerben, could it be a support used when applying unit marks on grip strap? It would prevent kinking it in with the stamps. John

Good thought, it also provides good support for someone who is manipulating the frame in one way or another. The tool probably has / had multiple functions.

I'd agree that it is simply a tool to hold the frame in order to be worked on. Similar to the fake stock used. Stick it into the mag well and then tighten the lower end into your vice. Can't be many of these around.
Very nice!

V, Have you tried it inside of a mag? Looks to me to be a mag straightening mandrel. TH

Hi Tom,

It will not fit a magazine, dimensionally it is the same size as a magazine (outside), and it fits into the frame without any space left.

Gerben,
That is a neat find. I would tend to go along with JTD's observation. I have often wondered how unit markings were applied wiithout distorting the grip. It doesn't take much of a dent to make insertion of the magazine difficult. A tool like this would be valuable to unit armorers. The same function could be performed with the right size round rod but a tool like this would be much more handy.
I have no doubt that it is also quite useful for repairing a bent frame.

The proper term would be "Mandrel".

That'll work :)

bottom end could be used as a shoe horn...:)

but more seriously, maybe a way to hold the frame on a workbench vice since stock lugs were not available for similar use on many guns before the lug became commonplace.

Gerben, Fantastic find! First one I have ever seen!

It has a couple of additional features. In the top of the mandrel are 3 holes. The two outside ones are threaded, the third runs through the hole that can be seen at the top.

It suggest that there was a top piece which could be screwed onto the mandrel after it was inserted in the frame, probably to lock it in place.

I made a little wooden reproduction piece using 2 screws with identical threading, just to see how it would work. Even with this small wooden retainer, the frame and mandrel are tightly locked together.

The visible hole at the top side lines up with the magazine button, I think it can be used, with another additional part, to simulate the activation of the holdopen as well. I tested it with a magazine button sized screw head stuck in the side, and indeed, it activated the holdopen.

Thank you for showing this most interesting tool. A bit of history there. There appears to be no end to what can be learned on this forum.

That certainly is a very unusual and interesting tool you have there Vlim, I'm sure a welcome addition to your collection. I wonder if Mauro Baudino might have an insight as to it's exact purpose, might be worth the time to contact him.
Lon

Interesting tool!

I wonder if there would be a market for repro's?

I dont know about repro, but I wouldnt mind owning that one. Neat item, thanks for sharing. John

I believe it is a go/no go gauge for use by the inspector or machinist at the final broaching operation of the magazine well! I cannot believe that German designers or machinists would make a tool with a clear "handle" shape on it, to put in a vice! No, it is gauge used in the production operation, and it was made to be hand held.

neat, neat, neat!!!
 

Hi Gerben, I would really be interested in the dimensions, front to back, front radiu, width, angle on top... etc.... Oh please, oh please...:jumper::jumper::jumper:... Best to you, til...lat'r....GT...:jumper: