Geladen Missing
 

Is it uncommon for 1940 code 42 to be missing the “GELADEN” on the left side of extractor? I found all other markings listed on the PDF of the "Standard Catalog of Luger".

Yes; likely could be a replacement(newer than the pistol) or more unlikely an original error. JMHO.

Extractors are a numbered part. Does the number on the top of the extractor match the rest of the gun?

Yes the other parts match. The gun is in really good condition--do not see why it would have replacement parts. Where on the extractor is geladen usually stamped?

It's stamped on the left side of the extractor so that when a round is in the chamber and the extractor is engaged on the cartridge's rim "geladen" can be seen. I dont buy into the notion that it could simply be a case that the assemblyline worker forgot to stamp it. If there are no markings on the extractor it most likely could be a reproduction part.

45 stamp on 1940 S 42
 

I was wondering what the 45 meant on top of extractor? A replacement part?

I looked through the Standard Catalog of Luger but could not find the pineapple looking mark next to the 64 on the left side. Attachment 76269

Attachment 76270

Attachment 76271

64= 1964, year the pistol was re-proved.
The number "45 indicates a replacement and thus a mismatched extractor.

Thank you for the information.
With mismatched extractor the gun is more likely a shooter and not a collectible?
The rest of the gun seems pretty unused--wonder why it needed a new extractor?

I have the paperwork from my uncle when he brought this back from Germany in 1966. Must have been a refurbished discounted pistol.

If you have the paper work, it is of course "collectible", especially to you since it belonged to your Uncle. It would be to me for sure.;)

A pistol brought back in 1966, would likely be a "PX" or "shooting club" pistol, bought by a GI on the civilian market and brought home.

It has non standard grips also, and is perhaps partially refinished; so without the paperwork, it would be closer to a shooter pistol than collectible.

Enjoy it.

JMHO.:thumbup:

Guys,

The toggle link is S/42 (early version??) with a questionable 72. Certainly not original to the gun. Mag looks to be later 1941/2 vintage.

The gun is probably a mixmaster or at best a depot rebuild.

The extractor seems like the least of the irregularities on this one.
dju

Hi Nick, and welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately, your Luger has had a number of parts replaced since it left the factory, and someone has attempted to make them appear matching by stamping numbers on them. The "72" stamped on your S/42 marked toggle is in the wrong font, and if you look carefully, I think you'll see where metal was removed toward the rear of the part to allow it to be restamped and refinished.

The trigger side plate and grips have also been changed out. It does have a Mauser frame.

A Luger is considered collectible if it's as close as possible to original factory state. Your's has had a number of changes since then. It looks like a nice Luger, and I would not hesitate to shoot it. Some good news is that you have a Haenel Schmeisser milled magazine, which are probably the most reliable Luger magazines.

We publish a FAQ PDF document that you'll find useful. Just follow the links to FAQ at the top of every page in the forum.

And it shoots 30 Luger.
I thought I read that they switched to 9mm in the 1920's.
Is it strange for a gun stamped 1940 to not be chambered for 9?

The receiver/barrel extension is 1940, but most likely the barrel is a surplus 30 Luger item, and does not belong to the receiver as produced by the factory......in other words, another mixed part to this Luger.

Nick,

Happy April Fools Day. Good one!! :)

John