41 Mauser byf Black Widow
 

Hi I am looking to buy this rig I am getting a description from PIA's soon but I also would like to get some opinions on it from other collectors with more knowledge. I would like honest opinions on this rig. What I really like is the 2 inspector marks on it 655 and 135. Are these common or not?? Thanks for any opinions you could give me. More pic's of the rig are on their website Ron. :cheers:

On my 1942 byf black widow there are two 135 stamps. Beyond that I am new at this and can't help you much further. I hope it works out for you.

Btw, I live downstate on the Prairie. :)

Hi Ronald,
I'm not a fan of PIA, to put it mildly, but that said I don't see anything obviously wrong with this rig. The SE/655 SE/135 mixed inspection marked byf 41 is a somewhat rare sub-variation.
Regards, Norm

What description is PIA - Tom going to send you?

I did not click on the link - do a search of PIA (Phoenixinvestmentarms)

I actually get along fine with Tom and bought a Simson from him a number of years ago.

Lots of dealers out there that have byf's - don't buy first thing unless its the perfect one for you then go for it, just be advised that there are lots and lots of lugers in the USA

Jan Still puts the range of the E/655 E/135 variation between 4801 no suffix and 7491 no suffix so this gun #7494 is right above his upper range. The black plastic magazines are correct and the black grips are OK for this Luger variation. Like Norme, I'm a not fan of this seller either.

cruizer

I don't really know in the States, but here the so calld "Black Widows" are probably amont the most common Lugers.
I'm sure you can find plenty of them in the States to choose from.
Don't be in a hurry.

Yes, plenty to choose from - just have a look on the Simpson site at the ones for sale.
There are nearly always these late war rigs for sale on auction on line.

A nice rig, but from any of the big dealers, you will be paying a significant premium; in this case maybe more than $500, JMHO.

But a nice looking pistol for sure.

Living in Illinois, you're within a day's drive and back to one of the best collector firearm dealers I know - Bob Simpson in Galesburg, Illinois.

You're also near CheckpointCharlies.com up in Wisconsin.

I'd recommend both of these more local dealers where you could visit and get a good look at Lugers in hand from a well known and trusted dealer.

Marc

That's a very good advice!

Legacy Collectables is another source for nice guns. I've purchased a few from them with positive results. PIA seems to "over hype" their items. YMMV.

G2

PIA stages their guns so nicely, but the pricing $$$$$
Simpson's is worth a road trip, if you haven't been in their store!

Hi everyone I want to Thank all of you for your valued comments on this rig. Josef is going to send me the description of the rig when he returns he is out of the country at this time. I have started looking and mailing some of the suggestions that were made. This is why this forum is so valueable to a newbie like me it really gets other ways to look at things. Again Thank you for all the great comments!!!! :cheers: Ron. :bigbye: