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I’m new to Lugers and the forum. I don't know anything about forums so if I am doing something wrong please let me know.

I recently purchased a P08 from my nephew who needed to sell it. Pictures attached. I’m interested in learning everything I can about it. From what I have gleaned from the forum I think I know the following but would appreciate any corrections or additional information.

-Made in 1936 by Mauser.
-Early 1936 production because no letter after S/N.
-9 x 19 (9mm Parabellum) caliber.
-Shooter because re-blued, wrong grips, not all parts match S/N.
-Military issue because of proof marks.

I know it will never have any significant collector value but would like to return it as close to original as reasonable just for my own enjoyment without putting too much more money in it.

-Can anyone recommend some reasonably priced walnut grips to replace the plastic ones? From what I have read, some of the replacements are junk.
-Does the hand scribed “75” on the side plate indicate anything significant like it may have gone back through an armory and had this replacement side plate fitted to this gun or is it just something someone did along the way?
-Would it be worth it to try to find a side plate with numbers to match the gun?
-I would like to get an additional magazine to use when I take it to the range. Are there any decent new replacements available or should I buy a used one?
-Does anyone have any other suggestions for “aging” the gun or doing anything else to return it closer to the condition it should be for its age?

Thanks and sorry for all the questions.

Welcome to the forum

The 75 on the right is called 'forced matching' - and the grips are usually what I think of for a 'Russian Capture'. They were usually 'dip blued' and sometimes this bluing can be taken off. But if overall it looks nice, I would leave it, as its import marked and with the sideplate renumbering.

The trigger, take down etc should be strawed on a 1936

Ed

The suffix is "m", as shown below. 3575m is your serial number. ;)

As Ed said, your grips are the 'Russian capture'. I paid $200 for a set. They're not all that common. :D

I think they're boo-tee-full... :)

These Russian capture Lugers were arsenal rebuilt after the War, and worn parts were replaced. Your 'dip blue' looks very well done. Overall, I like it. It would fetch over $1K hereabouts...Most likely in the $1200 range...

I'd place the value somewhat lower, but regardless, that will be a very good shooter. Welcome aboard!
dju

I personally would not alter the gun in any way, (well, wood grips can't hurt, as long as you keep the Russian originals).

These Russian capture Lugers are starting to garner collector interest. They represent a unique chapter in Luger history. Yours is a poster pistol for many of the features found on Russian captures.

Thanks for all of the quick answers and information.
-I tried finding info on the grips and when I couldn't find anything I assumed they were some cheap replacements added by an importer just to try to make an old gun look better inexpensively. Same with the re-bluing. The "Russian capture" information changes my thinking about the gun completely.
-Thanks for info on S/N. Because of the manufacturer and the style of the letter I thought it stood for Mauser.
-Might there be any proof marks to indicate which Russian armory it went through?
-I have not disassembled it yet. Might there be any hidden proof marks I should look for?
-Thanks again. I think I'll leave it exactly as is for now with possible exception of walnut grips for when I shoot it.
Oldguy

Forgot a couple of things.
-how do I officially "Thank" someone who has replied?
-I found the Luger Identification Form but do not know how/where to submit it.

It is my belief that there are many many mis-registered Lugers because of the suffix placement. I haven't checked my own Lugers/Pistol Permit [lazy] because even if they were mis-identified, there is no practical way (in my state) to correct this. :(

Old guy
To thank someone just hit the hand at the bottom of the posts . Bill

No, any numbers or letters inside would be Mauser 'worker' letters or numbers and no known meaning is known

Sometimes you find an 'X' on the Russian capture lugers and sometimes you don't - it would be obvious if there was one, usually on left hand side near the serial numberthis is helpful in identification, no one person keeps a master listing (except for specialty collectors) i.e. Simson (me), Krieghoff (Tom), Navy (Norm), etc - so, lugers like this, I do not know of a master listing :)

Ed

Hello Pete, and welcome to the forum.

You've already heard from some of the best Luger advisors, but I wanted to add my welcome.

Your Russian Capture Luger may, someday, be more collectible than your initial impression.

Because of all those that have been imported, the quality of RC Lugers ranges from completely mismatched assemblies to better examples. Your Luger is mostly matching, with a force matched side plate. Once the dip refinish was done, and the import mark added, the originality of this Luger cannot be regained. I wouldn't pour money into it for that reason. The 1936 would also have had a rust blued finish, and strawed trigger / safety lever / ejector. You can't really restore it's original appearance without quite an investment...

I would also recommend keeping it as-is, and enjoying it by shooting it. I think that the quality and metallurgy of these Mauser made Lugers is excellent, so they are great to shoot.

If you later decide you want a more collectible Luger, you can find them for reasonable prices. Just look for a gun with all original finish, no import mark and all matching parts. At 90% finish, these should be priced in the $1300-$1500 range (without a matched magazine).

Marc

Thanks to all of you. I never expected so much expert help, especially so quickly.
I'll be back soon as I am now definitely hooked on Lugers.