1939 Code 42 Luger Rework/Reblue?
 

Gentlemen:

I have a 1939 dated, code 42 luger that I believe may be reblued or reworked at some point in it's history, but I'm not sure? Hopefully, some of you more knowledgeable enthusiasts can provide me with some insight.

I will describe it as best I can, but will post some pictures with Ed's gracious assistance. The three digit serial number is #626 and the 26 appears on all small parts, which is consistent with the all matching number scheme.

The proof marks are as follows: E655, E655, followed by the Army test proof on right side of the receiver. Their also appears to be a small Army test proof on the left side of the front toggle link hinge. Under the barrel and behind the SN-626 appears the numbers 8/82. I'm not sure what this means, but again hopefully someone can help me to identify it.

The pistol is in pristine condition with no pitting, or other defects noticed. It does, however, appear to have been reblued or reworked at some point in it's history. I purchased this Luger approximately 20 years ago and have kept it secured with the others every since. Can any of you provide me with an estimated value both if it is indeed original, or a reblue/rework as I suspect?

I would appreciate any feedback any of you can provide me and I thank all of you in advance. This forum is great place for me to learn more about these fantastic weapons.

Best Regards,
Bob Hamilton

I forgot a couple of important discription items that I will add here. The letter code designation is a fancy Z on the front of the receiver below the SN, which is just below the rear of the barrel. Also, the magazine is an aluminum base and blue body. The bottom is stamped with an E63, + sign, and a fancy Y. The blue body is unmarked. Hopefully, this will help. If I can answer any questions, please let me know. Thanks again everyone!
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Best Regards.
Bob Hamilton

pictures posted for Bob,

Ed

The blue job looks too clean for a VOPO - very little sanding, although it's unmistakably a hot-dip reblue. Looks like whoever did it even went to the trouble of not bluing the trigger. This is a nice Luger - very presentable.

I agree with saxman. This pistol was subjected to the hand of a craftsman... (Not as good a Thor mind you) not just a quick rub down with sandpaper and a dip in the old tank. It is very nicely refinished.

Hi RAHamilton,

This luger looks exactly like it had the same treatment as my 1937 S/42.

Does yours have cross mark on the trigger guard?

This type of reblueing appears to have been quite common here in the old world (Europe) during the days that Lugers were plentiful, cheap and needed some rework for resale/reuse purposes.

They lacks the typical overbuffing found on VOPO's and they also lack the usual VOPO property marks. Reblueing standards are quite high (and thorough, blued inside and out :) .

It challenges me to rethink the time mine was reblued. My first estimate was some 5 - 10 years ago, but seeing yours, I tend to go to the late 70's / Early 80's era. Interesting...

I recall seeing Lugers in the early 1960's that had the exact same type of reblue done on them...... a deep and very shiney "tank" blue if I remember the correct term used then. I seem to also recall that a lot of gunsmiths offered these reblues for not a lot of money; almost like an Earle Shibe paint job offer.

Whoever did the Luger under discussion here did a decent job of it without the heavy-handed buffing so often seen on a lot of reblued guns. It's a nice Luger worth having.

The quick method I use use to determine if a Luger has been dipped is to check the muzzle. Usually an original finish will show a muzzle in the white. A blued muzzle is always a reblue, but a white muzzle may or may not be a reblue.

G.Van Vlimmeren:

I examined the 1939 Code 42 again and found no mark or markings of any kind on the trigger guard. The only proof marks are those I described in my original message. I want to thank all of you for your comments. You have confirmed my original suspicians, that this Luger was definitely reblued. I'm not certain when in it's history that occured or by whom, but it was an exceptionally nice job!

Do any of you have an estimate of its approximate value now that we all seem to agree it is a reblue? Thanks as always for your insights.

Best Regards,
Bob

Hi,

Speaking from recent experience:
My 1937 S/42 would be in the 1400EUR region if original/unblued.

Since it's reblued and lacks it's original grips and original barrel, it dropped to about half of that, say 700 EUR. I guess your's would be a bit more expensive for having it's original barrrel.

Hi all,

Did some checking on the reblued P08's and found that some companies in Germany have reworked P08's from Russian and Hungarian (again..) supplies.

The answer I got from one of the major sellers in Germany intrigued me however. He referred to the gun as a Frankonia / Mauser rework. This almost tempts me to believe that Mauser had something to do with the reworking of these guns, it certainly would explain the high level of craftsmanship, the 'original' cardboard box, and the Mauser Parabellum manual that came with my S/42.

Frankonia is a large sports/hunting arms chain in Germany (www.frankonia.de) and they still have some Russian/DDR/Hungarian P08's in their catalogue.

Anyone have any thoughts about this? Perhaps one of our German members?