1941 Luger
 

Hi,
New to the forum.

Have a question.

In a recent issue of Shotgun News there was an extensive article on WWII Lugers. At one point the author states that " On 8 April 1940, a Heereswaffnamt directive stipulated that all four digit chamber dates be changed to two-digit dates no later than 1 January 1941." He also states that "the same directive required a change in manufacturer's codes and Mauser's was changed from "42" to "byf". "In addition, it required that "P08" be applied to the left frame panel."

I own a luger and the chamber date is 1941, still four-digits. At the same time it still has the manufacturer code "42" on the toggle, and doesn't have P08 stamped on the side. So somehow, despite the directive, it was produced. All numbers on the pistol match the serial number, so I know its entirely original. I've never seen another one like it. Because of the markings, does this mean the pistol might have some extra value for rarity?

Pictures please!
What is the serial number letter suffix on the gun? I do know Mauser was still using the four digit year on their Police Banners in 1941.

There is no letter suffix on the pistol

I have to figure out how to post pictures. May take me awhile as I am leaving on a vacation

What stamps does it have on the right side of the receiver? E/63, E/655, or E/135?

The stamps on the right side are E/655

That must have been the Newstand edition. I get the once-a-month edition (as opposed to the three-a-month edition) and there was no Luger article.

Sounds like I'm not missing anything. ;)

That must have been the Newstand edition.

No, it was the April 20, 2014 issue.

It was one of the three(3) series articles written by Peter Kokalis for Shotgun News.

That date indicates the three-a-month edition. As I said, I get only the once-a-month edition. The different editions have different or additional articles. The once-a-month edition which is dated the 10th did not have the Luger article, or any part of it.

Were the 10th, 20th, and 30th editions of that month the three parts of the article???

This is embarrassing. I pulled the gun out of storage to check something and discovered it was dated 1940, not 1941. I should have checked before I posted. Sorry for the confusion.:crying: