l-block or i-block
 

My eyes think it might be an i-block rather than my first assumption of an l-block. Your thoughts?

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...ps031ce1dc.jpg


While we are at it, what was the final block of byf 42 Lugers? n-block?

Ez

From looking at the thread that discussed suffixes, it looks to me like an "i". The "l" looks like they have a loop at the top which I dont see on yours. Plus yours looks like it has the dot on the top of it. I aint 100% sure but I copied them pics from that thread and added to this so you can compare.

Attachment 32298

Attachment 32299

Hey Skeeter,

That's pretty cool! You're right, looks like an i-block.

Ez

Need Help Identifying Suffix
 

First of all, Hi...I'm Mustang, I'm an Army vet with service in Iraq and Afghanistan and have been collecting and preserving classic American, German and a few Japanese weapons for a few years. Just hate to see these pieces of history get trashed and then vanish. I didn't find a 'new member' page, so here we are. I am in awe of all the Luger smart folks on this forum!

After literally years of looking, I picked up a pretty nice P08 1941/byf and holster (joa) a young man got from his father and wasn't interested in it. Turned out I certainly was...otherwise he probably would have pawned it and this Luger would have ended it's life shooting small mammals out of trees and then used as a prybar. All the numbers match as they should on all the bits and bobs (including the magazine which has matching numbers) except for one fairly common and one not so common spot. The common spot is on one of the handgrips (right side) ...The left has the "53" (last 2 digits of the 6553 SN) and a Waffenamt marking but the right does not...no markings at all.
Now the curious thing...the outside of the trigger plate is marked as you'd expect with "53" like all the other parts, but the INSIDE of the trigger plate I expected to have "65" but it does not...it has "66"..whoa...any ideas on that?
Also for the life of me I cannot identify the suffix letter on the lower receiver. I have looked at numerous lists like the one on this page and there is no clear match. Can anyone help? Pics attached... thanks for reading thru all this!

Welcome aboard, Mustang.

The inner sideplate number is perfectly normal. It is ALWAYS marked with a number one digit higher than the serial number's first two digits. From the two photos provided it looks like it has its original finish as well, but more images would help confirm this. Photos of the grip innards would help as well. It was not unusual for field armorers to replace a damaged grip with an unmarked grip. It is not a deal breaker when valuing the pistol.

Mustang, Welcome home; Welcome to the forum and thank you for being willing to serve our country.

From what you've posted, I think you have a very nice collectable Luger. Please post some overall pictures when you get a chance.

- - - -

The suffix is a "r", making your serial number "6553r". A complete unique description would include it's identification as a 1941 "byf" code Mauser Luger, s/n 6553r. The number and suffix can be duplicated over the years of Luger manufacture.

I'd like to see a closeup of this frame serial number and suffix if possible.

As Doug mentions, except for an early period (1937-8, I believe) the side plate internal number is the first two digits plus one.

On Lugers in that early period, the side plate inside number is the same as the first two digits.

I don't have my reference book with me to verify the exact period and serial range.

Marc

Thanks for the welcome :bigbye: and the info on the sideplate Alanint. I have attached a full side view of my P08 which can be magnified. Would appreciate your (and anyone else's) comment on the finish originality (or not)...

I disassembled this pistol down to the bones and cleaned and lubed it as soon as I got it home, found it to be sound, and fired 2 mags of 'sedate' 9mm thru it and what a joy to fire. Unconsciously started barking commands in Prussian accented English at the range to everyones bewilderment. :D...I can't have a weapon that I don't know functions or not. Just my thing :burnout: ...

best, Mustang

While you can't be absolutely sure from photos, your Luger looks like it's in original finish to me.

It is collectable and a piece of history. Damaging it will lose that.

It's not unusual on these forums to hear of mild loads damaging WW-II vintage pistols. They were well made, but there are common parts failures we can note.

I don't shoot collectable pistols. I have shooters for that purpose.

Here's a picture of a collectable P.38 that showed up this week on another forum...

Marc

I agree Marc, its shooting days are done, now that I know it is fully functional. That must have been a sad day on the P38. Sorry to see that happen to anyone...hope the shooter didn't get too injured on that one...Thanks for the note and the pic.
Also thanks very much for identifying that glyph as an "r"...I thought I was about to loose my mind on that one! I'll get some more pics up on it in the next day or two. Best, Mike

Mike
Looks original to me. Glad you do not intend to shoot it. Bill