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My new s/42 1937

Hoping I can show off my next new aquirement, an S/42 1939 fully matching including magazine and grips. I learned from Don Bible long ago "never buy the story" and I have tried to live that way with regards to my collecting. However this one came with a story, hopefully believeable. A veteran from Saskatchewan brought this back at war's end, with belt and ammunition pouch, ect. After his death his wife took it to the police, who held onto it for some time to have it destroyed. But a family member retrieved it and was able to contact me through a friend. Just recieved it today. A buckle was on it but was allegedly not returned with the set. I believe everything looks legit, really in nice condition, but since this is my second P08 I would welcome any input from the forum. Is in very good condition I think. This would be a collectable Luger, correct? Even though it is a common one? Also, I cannot verify if the vet did not add the cartride belt to the belt, it would be odd to have a K98 pouch AND a P08, correct? And although the second magazine does not match, is it correct for the period? Thanks again, all!
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/p08s42001 http://members.shaw.ca/jnkubat/p08s42%20002.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/jnkubat/p08s42%20003.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/jnkubat/p08s42%20004.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/jnkubat/p08s42%20005.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/jnkubat/p08s42%20008.JPG http://members.shaw.ca/jnkubat/p08s42%20011.JPG
One magazine matches, the other will be a filler until I find the second matching (yeah right!).

Wow! I don't have the answers to your questions, but wow! looks like about as nice a Luger as one ever sees!

--Dwight

Thanks Dwight, it really is sweet. Sorry I re read my post and it was a tad obvious I was blabbering, just excited about the find.

That is really sweet!

I have seen lots of footage on the history channel of guys with a rifle and a Luger, so I don't see why not. I am sure it depends on your job. In the US Army, you would have both in certain jobs.

Ed

Nice rig; your pistol is a first variation 1937(small parts strawed). These don't come up for sale very often.

Steve

VERRRRRY NICE! Congrats! the whole rig looks museum quality to me...

Josef, SUPER looking Luger. Anyone would be proud to have it in their collection!! Congratulations!! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Thanks Gentlemen, I really lucked out again I know. Any ideas of the markings on the inside flap of the holster? I know my Dad's Canadian service number began with an "L", but I don't think this is what this is. Do you think the second non matching magazine is appropriate, or should I try to find one better marked?

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by josef:
Do you think the second non matching magazine is appropriate, or should I try to find one better marked?<hr /></blockquote>Both mags and the tool are proofed E/63 so I'd say your second mag is quite proper.

Magnificent!!!!!!!!
I have a '37 all matching Luger too. Both of my mags don't match to the gun either. I would also say your gun, mags and accessories are just right for the period.

As to the K98 pouch with the Luger, who knows what they wore at the end of the war. Nothing in that time frame matched anything as units became a mixed bunch of desperate soldiers.

I would say you hit the jackpot with this rig. Good find.

Josef,
* What a very nice, complete example. Congratulations & thanks for sharing your latest find.
* This piece is not only extrodinary in its condition and proximity to the original Vet; but, it is an interesting example due to its position within the transitions going on in 1937 @ Mauser.
* As you may be aware, 126,000 P.08's are thought to have been made in 1937, About one letter block a month starting around 4500p. This make your pistol an early March, 1937 production piece.
* What may be less evident is within about a 4 month (overlapping) period following, Mauser and the Army instituted 7 changes which distinctly separate the later Mauser P.08's from all produced before. These changes, in no particular chronological order, are:

(1) Rust to Salt Blue Finish
(2) Straw Small Parts to All Blue Small Parts.
(3) Weimar Style Droop Winged Eagle/63 to Nazi Stick Eagle/63 Inspector Acceptance Stamps on the P.08 itself.
(4) dE/63 to sE/63 Acceptance mark change on the Mag bottom.
(5) Polished Interior to non-polished (Blued)interior.
(6) Rear Frame Hump re-appears.
(7) The Inside of the Side Plate began to be numbered with a derivation of the Gun's S/N.</li>

Certainly, a wide variety of legitimate Sub Variations exist within this transitional period.
* Rest assured, all I see in your pictures suggest a righteous, quality piece. I conclude Rust blued, strawed small parts, no hump, double dE63 gun acceptance marks next to the mid Eagle proof, and sE63 Matching Mag acceptance. Is that correct so far??
* Be advised, the sE/63 mag acceptance is correct as it appears in a block of gun bearing the same mag sE/63 mark surrounded by a number of guns with the dE63 marked mags. The "r" block appears to be the transition block for the introduction of the mag acceptance change.
* For those who keep track, would you report the number stamped on the inside of your sideplate and whether the inside of the frame is polished(white) or blued. This will provide an additional substantiating example to establish/confirm the transition cutover points for these changes.
* BTW, your blue tube "m" block spare mag, marked sE63, probably was made for a 1938 chamber dated P.08. It likely was made about the same time as the Holster. While non matching to 8556r, it is period correct in style and contemporary as is the PT.08.
Respectfully,
Bob

I have a 1937 S/42 serial number 8193, although not quite as nice as yours, that has the same proof marks on the frame. Great find.

Thank you all very much Gentlemen! Bob and the rest I really appreciate this information. I continue to learn from all of you about this fascinating and addicting collecting field. I feel very fortunate to own ANY Luger. Take care all!