Hoping to find out some general info on pistol
 

I have had this pistol for years now, found it covered in dust, hiding on the bottom shelf of a gun shop in the late 80's, and am just trying to get to know it a little better [img]wink.gif[/img]

Its a PO8, with the markings byf 42 and the proof marks are eagle 135 twice and eagle with what appears to be a tiny swastika. The side plate is not matched to the rest of the pistol [img]frown.gif[/img] and the 6 inch barrel has some marks on it that show that it has been removed/installed some time prior to my obtaining it.

The barel has on the left side B'O'HLER STAHL made in austria on it. Would someone give me a little info such as am I right that this is a military issue pistol made by Mauser? The serial number is 9XXX, so what year was it probably made in? Is this barrel mached to this pistol or is it a aftermarket replacement? I appreciate any info you guys can send my way.

Thanks, Philip

Hello Phillip and welcome!

The byf 42 means the receiver was made by Mauser (byf) and the 42 equals the year, 1942.

E/135 is correct, the barrel is a replacement, but interesting as it is a B'O'HLER STAHL replacement, if you do a search for BO or Stahl, you will find some discussions on this topic.

In 1942 (last year of official production), there were 113,000 Lugers made, so if yours does not have a suffix immediatly after or below the serial number, then I believe this one was made at the beginning of the year. (Not all followed this pattern, many serial numbers might have started in the "f" suffix range or whatever suffix letter they were in when the year started).

Any pictures you can post on it, esp showing the Stahl markings?

Thank you for the information, I now have another question, what was the time frame that Bohler Stahl made barrels for the pistols? (I have been reading past posts) Is this a semi rare barrel to find on a WW2 era Luger?

here are some links to some quick web cam captures, they are not that great of pics though.

http://waltham.tripod.com/luger.html

Thanks, Philip

I don't know the answer to that, maybe some others will chime in?