Newbie help - Another value call needed... S/42 Luger
 

I'm talking to a fellow about purchasing his non-import marked S/42 1940 dated Luger. He's described it as following "S/42, 1940 dated, all-matching except for replaced grips. Finish appears 95% but not sure if original. This is a legit all metal matching Luger down to the firing pin. Includes 1 period mag, not SN matched to the gun." The pics of the pistol look nice, the barrel is nice & bright w/strong rifling. It has some holster wear along the high spots. The witness mark on the barrel is original, it doesn't seem like anything has been messed with. Thanks guys!!!

Janosk,
You can verify it by checking in Jan Still's "Third Reich Lugers", but to the best of my knowledge there were no S/42 lugers with a 1940 chamber date. There were a few 1939 S/42's, but they are rare.
Lyn

Thanks Lyn. The pics I have of the pistol all look good though. Strange...

Janosk,
The pictures may look good, but it is a fact that ALL 1940 Mauser Lugers were either Code 42's, or Banners. Exceptions are parts guns and are shooter value only.
Lyn

I have both a 1938 and a 1940 Mauser manufactured Luger. The 1938 is marked S/42 and the 1940 is 42 marked. I think Idoman is correct.

Lyn and Robert - I agree with your analysis in that a 1940 S/42 is not a normal production combination. However, in Still's Book "Third Reich Lugers" he shows a 1940 S/42 on page 92. He calls these "Out-of-Sequence Production pistols.

He further states these were probably made from leftover parts and some were assembled after the Luger Production ceased in 1942.

John, I guess you pay your money and take your chances!! Good Luck!