42 BYF Military P.08 Luger 9mm Help..
 

So I can't say that I don't know firearms but honestly I just got thrown into this firearm and it appears that I know almost nothing about this Luger and I am hoping that a few of you experts could help me value this and maybe tell me a little more about it.

It's all numbers matching (as far as I can tell)
BYF which I believe is Mauser made
1942 P.08 chambered in 9mm

Under exposure to high amounts of light you can see the reddish rust from underneath the bluing which tells me that it's probably the original finish. It has two NON NUMBERED magazine with plastic bases so Im assuming those aren't original.

from my limited research I'm pretty sure it's a military Luger as they numbered all the parts and there's no sear safety.

Any info could help

My real problem is the serial number? where is it? where all the other 42 byf lugers I've been able to find on the net have the serial under the barrel, mine just has a 89 and some letter.

Very nice gun.
Your serial number is "89F" as shown on the front of the frame. That means that it was #89 in the F block, which followed 9999 in the "E" block. It shows very little use or wear, and was probably one of the last made before switching to the P-38, although the books guys could confirm that. There was an unnumbered black plastic mag. issued with these, so we need photos to confirm if they are correct or aftermarket.
As per value, check Simpsons Ltd. for values on this model, but this one should be near the top. I'm guessing $2500.
Ya' done well.

Also, I just saw the holster on your keyboard. Photos please.
dju

Holster / Mags
 

Here is a couple pics of the two mags and the holster that I have for the gun

Couple more holster shots
 

Here's a couple more pics of the holster

Barrel Looks Good
 

This gun appears to have had very little use as the lands / grooves appear to have no issues at all. Very sharp all around.

How about photos of the stampings or ink on the holster. It is an older conversion, possibly from Police to Military?
And those magazines are correct for that gun.
dju

Holster Stamp / Marks
 

Only two stamps I could find on the holster were both on the back inbetween the belt loops. I did my best to illustrate them but they are very hard to see.

Thanks for your patience and excellent photos. Let's sit back and let some more knowledgeable collectors weigh in.
dju

Super example of a 1942 byf. The magazines are correct. The holster is a cut-down and modified WWI artillery holster. The stampings on the back of the holster which appear to incorporate a spread wing eagle are bogus.

As already mentioned, Lugers were numbered from 1 to 10,000 in each lettered block, and you have "89f" made very early in the F block in 1942. The full serial number appears on the front of the frame above the trigger guard. "89" over the letter "f".

It was made toward the end of military Luger production by Mauser in Oberndorf. "byf" was their concealment code, and the E/135 inspector worked there.

Your milled steel magazines with plastic bases are original and considered matching for this gun, and are properly un-numbered. They were made by Haenel Schmeisser and have an E/37 acceptance stamp and "fxo" maker's concealment code.

What number is inside the trigger plate? There may be no number, or it might be "01" or "9"...

As your Luger is all matching and appears to be in original finish, it is considered collectible. Many of us do not fire collectible guns because of the potential of breaking an original numbered part. Avoid storing it in it's holster. It's unlikely, but moisture and tanning chemicals that sometimes remain in the leather can damage the finish.

Marc

As noted on the other forum, the holster is a conversion of a WWI "Artillery" holster to the military style. It is shortened, has had the cleaning rod pouch removed, and a mag pouch added, along with the necessary closure pieces, and belt loops. The droop eagle may be spurious.

Darren,

As Mark mentioned in his post, these magazines are correct for P.08s produced at this time.

But, although they are of Haenel Schmeisser design, they were not produced by them.

In fact, this particular variation was produced in Zella Mehlis by the firm, Manteuffel and Co. This particular sub-contractor was staffed with forced labor drawn from the nearby "Froelicher Man" i.e. "Happy Man" Camp.

John

Awesome info guys, as to the value of the firearm? My insurance guy needs to know, my collectible display guns are all on a stated value basis.

PS: now Im going to have to find a shooter to play with...

Can you help me with the "trigger plate"?Im not exactly sure what Im looking for?

I would insure it for at least $2500.
I have a 1942 "byf" like yours (S/N 2011 "l"suffix)
Mine has the same 3 acceptance proofs on the right frame and it also has "42" on the chamber.
My magazine was also a black fxo E/37, but it has an un-numbered wooden plug with an off-center pin at the 12 o'clock position
(BTW, nice photos !)

Glad you like the pictures, these Iphones don't do to bad.

Just for Provinance
 

I know this really isn't the right place to show this off but the same guy who sold me the Luger gave me this as well. I did a quick bit of research and it's a very scarce maker, Gustav Wirth and this large Dagger is in great shape considering the age. It's marked on the blade marked on blade "Viles fur Deutschland" . Very cool piece of history.