1937 Marked S/42 Just Purchased Please Review and Comment
 

Well, I've waited a long time to purchase my first Luger. The one in the pictures attached is a 1937 marked S/42. I just took it out of the box, along with four other Mauser Pocket Pistols I purchased from an elderly gentleman in his 80's. He's had these 5 guns and many more, for 40 plus years. I'll post a picture of the 5 and then pics of the Luger, for which I would like some help.

I searched here http://www.lugerforum.com/index.html, but still need some help. Even with my magnifying glass, some of the symbols etc were hard for me to see.

A few pictures to start, as my picture size is too large I guess. I'll reply to the post with more pictures.

I look forward to comments, thoughts and a good education.

Thanks all in advance for helping me out.

More Pics. All external numbers match, to include magazine and grips.

More pics.

Lou,

With all these old pistols, you're now a steward of history!

Nice that the Luger totally matches, even the mag, but I can see what you mean about the markings. The fairly heavy buffing that was applied at some time has obscured the proofs, etc., somewhat. The pistol also appears to have been reblued in the hot dip process. which is not contemporaneous with strawed small parts.

The good news is that all matching guns make fine, dependable shooters way more often than not. And it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at the range. Enjoy!

Hi and welcome.

Just a note on the holster, it is for a M1896 Mauser "broomhandle" and is not a luger holster.
I note it has the luger serial number stamped on the back, I doubt this marking is original, and the holster itself may be a reproduction.

Enjoy your luger and the other pistols, the luger should be a good shooter.

You'll probably enjoy our FAQ document, available through the FAQ link at the top of each forum page.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=13121

As noted above, there are some areas where it has been buffed significantly. Perhaps that was done to remove some rust pitting, or someone that had no idea how to buff correctly. Definitely a reblue, but it looks pretty good from the photos. Should be a good shooter for you. Enjoy!!

The grips and the clip seem original and are collectible. I personally would replace them with repros and use the gun as a shooter.:cheers:

Also one thing I did note, side plate numbered 69 so not a complete match. Either way its a very nice looking gun, ought to make a fine shooter.

Very nice Luger, it's a shame that it got refinished, as normally any restoration kills the value of the pistol.