New Luger!!!!!!
 

Excuse me if I sound proud, but I am! Just picked up what I consider to be an all original, BYF42, w/ Blond grips and an unmarked holster at a gun show over the weekend. I would rate it at least 98%, if not 99%. The last proofmark appears very lightly struck. Have any of you also noticed this? I wouldn't be so proud, other than the fact that I don't see many "cherry" Lugers anymore, without going to a bigger show.
Had to share my joy!


Der Waffen Sammler

Sounds like a really nice one Tim, of course you should be proud, but then I know the feeling, [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

I have noticed that proofmarks are many times struck lightly and harder at other times. I imagine that they whacked it and said dang, that is awful light, but didn't want to try and do a double stamp.

Seriously, I think that is close to the truth, but only a guess.

Thanks!

Congratulations! The stamping question has come up before, consensus is that hand stampings were not perfect, some have been heavier, some lighter, and some even out of alignment. Few weeks ago one came up that was double stamped. Same nos., fonts, ect. Just the human factor. Great looking gun.
RK

Hi Tim,

I'm jealous of your great find but not so much I am not happy for you. Finding a near-mint Luger unexpectedly must feel like winning a small lottery prize.

Congratulations and enjoy your new prize.

I am curious about the light proof stamp. Is your byf/42 near the end of production when the dies might have been wearing out, or is it early production? Are the stampings sharp and clear but merely light? I'm just asking to enhance my knowlege of Lugers. So thanks, and nice find!

Jimbo