My original post asked about identifying a P-08 and I have received a wealth of information, thanks to all!
The pistol is a 1942 byf (Mauser) P-08 Serial 4477 with excellent bluing (black) and a plum colored extractor. Serial numbers visible all match. There is no visible rust and the barrel is in excellent condition although it should be cleaned. The grips are black and this all points to this being one of the "Black Widow" variety of Lugers.
The previous owner left one of the two magazines loaded but the headstamp on the brass is: W R A Co 9mm Luger. Since the Germans did not refer to this weapon as a "Luger" it seems unlikely that this is WWII ammunition. Also, I suspect that W R A Co stands for Winchester Repeating Arms Company and conclude that this is left over ammunition from a previous outing.
Based on some of the comments this may be a collector grade weapon. Is there a "most popular and reliable" place to get an appraisal?
Is the picture still there? It doesn't show anymore when I log in although I can see the link here in the message>
William
