Grip numbering question
 

Hi, Guys,

I am new to the forum. I recently picked up a BYF 42 Luger that is in very good shape. However, I have a question about the grip serial number marking. The last two digits of the serial number end in 21. When I removed the grips, I noted that the right grip has 21 stamped twice----in two very different fonts. The left grip has 21 stamped in the smaller font, and 07 in the larger font. What are your opinions on this ?

the small fonts look the same to me, but I did not blow them up

Ed...I would agree, the R and L small fonts look the same. But I have never seen them driven in so hard...and never seen two sets of numbers on each grip. Also, the larger numbers appears to be older and NOT matching (07 and 21). I can think of no good explanation for how this might have happened...other than being messed with. Is there any possible way for these to be "correct" on the same pistol? Also, isn't it a stretch that both numbers on the R grip are 21...and two different numbers on the L grip?

I think you have it!! I also think they have been augmented (messed with)! :)

Usually the small size font stopped in the early to mid K-Date production. After that, in Military Mauser Production, the larger numbers were used.

Grip Numbering Question
 

Hello All,

I am the owner of the byf42 Luger whose grips are in question in this thread.

I purchased this pistol from Joe Salter in June 2011. At that time I was still pretty 'green' in Luger collecting and I did not see a problem with the double numbering of the grip panels. I knew that there a lot of 'what if's' when it comes to Luger's but I did not question the markings of the grips at the time I purchased the rig from Salter.

As time has passed I would fully expect that a byf42 would have black plastic grip panels. I don't know if sometime in this pistol's life, for whatever reason, replaced with wood (if I knew everything I would have been born a woman). The replacement may have been by a unit's armorer.

The reason for this post is to assure anyone interested that I did not 'mess with' or alter these grip panels. This is how I received the pistol and I would not knowingly try to pass off something that is not correct.

Thank you for your time.

Bill

Hello Bill,
I don't think anyone here thinks you altered anything on your grips. these Lugers are 70 plus years old, and the grips may have been switched any time in between. Including war time. Who knows?

Grips are the least expensive part to replace on a Luger. And on a BYF 42 even easier to find because most were not numbered or had the black plastic grips.

Would love to see a photo of it.

Bob

Here you go... (a Joe Salter photo)

I believe that Frank was just responding to the question and not meaning to point a finger at anyone in particular. Frank is one of the leading experts regarding 1934-42 Lugers and his opinions are of value.
Lyn

I took no offense to Frank's message. I was glad he responded.

Bill

I'm beginning to think that grip numbering was a pretty imprecise science. Seems like we see it all and half the time we just do not know. Unless the grips bear the wrong number, I'd be reluctant to call foul.
dju