1939 Mauser with holster & tool
 

I have a chance to buy a 1939 Mauser / 42 it comes with a holster and tool. The pistol has pitting in three or four areas but the bore is bright I think it was left in the holster for years. The holster is in good shape but its missing the tool pouch but you can see where it was buy the empty stitching holes. The mag. is of the period but is not matching. All numbers are matching except the take down pin is a 73 all rest are 74. I got some good pics. for you. The price is 1000.00 for everything. Was hoping to get some of your thoughts on the purchase. As pitted as it is the pistol is probably a shooter. The grips are not numbered does that mean they were replaced at some point, were that all numbered to each pistol. John

1939 Mauser
 

Some pictures if I can get them

more pictures

The pitting hurts it but $1000 is pretty reasonable. I wouldn't automatically dump it as a shooter, but more of an entry level collectable.
Regarding the grips, I believe that numbers are hit-and-miss, so that isn't a biggie.
dju

It's a great gun in original shape. A little bit rust, not serious. If bore is good, this should be a great buy. But don't store the gun in leather... that the reason it rusted in the past. Holster is for looking, not for use in C&R world. Collectors usually use pistol pad.

Well worth $1,000. The holster alone is worth $200 - $300.

Definitely go for it at that price... If original finish and all matching, it is a lower end collectible.

Marc

I went ahead and bought the Luger is there away to remove some of the pitting or rust and can I put some saddle soap or leather conditioner on the holster and the axle pin being a different number worth trying to find a correct one worth the hassle. Also is it worth getting the take down tool pouch put back in the holster and approx. cost for the repair. thanks for all the help for just getting started you guys real know your stuff John

First of all you can carefully clean and oil it, but do not try to remove the rust. Just makes matters worse and takes off surrounding finish.
There are recommended conditioners listed elsewhere, but for now avoid most products on the leather. You should contact Jerry Burney about the tool pocket AND what to use on the holster. He's the leather guru!
dju

I see absolutely weird "74" on trigger plate :nono:

Yes, looks re-numbered to me as well.

John,

You say the axle pin has a different number?
The very next post below this one ("Inaugural First Post") has your toggle axle pin - number 74! You could contact the owner (flagless) and try to arrange a swap, because 74 doesn't match their gun either.

Between getting the holster, tool, and nice magazine, you are only into the gun for $550-$600. Still a good deal IMO, even if not completely matching.

- Geo

The side plate seems in better shape then the finish on rest of pistol and the numbers seem a bit larger I think it was renumbered too

You CAN remove some of the active, raised oxidation by using the fine steel wool and oil method without damaging the surrounding areas. This should be in the FAQ section.