Ciao!
and many thanks to all for prompt, kind and expert advice!
G. van Vlimmeren is right: this is an S/42 dated 1939 restored by Mauser .
Finish is actually a "glossy Black" with Strawing as per the photo in the 1997 leaflet supplied by G. van Vlimmeren .
It comes with an original Mauser box as illustrated, but with no accessories.
The dealer confirms it was a late 90s Mauser Factory refurb.
All parts (minus grips and magazine) are matching, but seller admits that some parts may indeed have been re-numbered by Mauser during the restoration in order to make the pistol all-matching.
I do agree that this gun has lost all of its history in the refurb process.
My idea was tu buy a Luger visually "perfect" and fully functional.
I am prepared to accept that the restoration process has somewhat reduced the historical value of the gun (Even if it's not clear to me why the principles of Classic Vehicles do not apply to guns....), but at least it's not a replica!
Just one question, anyway: Is strawing appropriate for a Mauser s/42 dated 1939? IF IT IS NOT, then it would be an incorrect restoration, and - as in the case of classic vehicles - this would detract from its value.
One final point: It should be always remembered that here in Italy all Lugers, including perfect full-matching specimens are somewhat "manipulated" as per the current Firearms Regulations, by being "converted" either to 7.65 Para or 9X21.
Any weapons originally in 9 Para gan't go on the civilian market here in Italy.
So the historical (and I would say also monetary value!) of any 9mm Luger is dramatically reduced in all cases anyway!
Thanks again to everybody.
Ciao!
Marco
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