[kds1]

I recently purchased a luger marked "byf" on the toggle and 1942 on the chamber, with a mis-matched side-plate. The bottom surface of the barrel is stamped "C.I.A. St. Alb. Vt." It appears re-blued over some minor surface pitting. I added wood grips from e-gunparts, re-strawed the small parts (thanks to the recipe generously sent by Policeluger), and replaced the cheap magazine it came with with a MecGar magazine. Looks and shoots great, imho.

I am interested in opinions on the history of this luger. From what I understand the "byf" toggle marks are among the last built by Mauser.

I am told that side-plates are often mis-matched because throwing away the side-plate was the method taught to inactivate the gun upon surrender.

I take it that "C.I.A." is Century International as the importer. Do you think this is a "Russian Capture" gun that I have read about on this forum?

Thoughts and opinions on this gun's history would be appreciated.