[mrerick]

Hi Dan,

You've got an interesting Luger. It was made during WW-I, was "1920" property marked by the Weimar government and then was reworked sometime after 1938, probably at Mauser.

There is speculation, but no proof, that the circle S stamp was added during rework for police use at Simson and Company, Suhl during the Weimar period.

When you use flash, it causes the metal to reflect the light and washes out the photo details. I can't read the proof marks. If you could re-photograph the pistol in indirect (shaded outdoor) light, they will be more helpful.

The "42" on the barrel is a concealment code that was issued to Mauser replacing S/42 in 1938.

The Crown over letter proofs are from the pistol's original manufacture, ending with the Imperial eagle. The Waffenamt inspection mark to their left was applied during the arsenal rework. I can't make out what is to the right of the eagle.

8,82 is the barrel gauge, measured in millimeters between the lands (and representing a 9mm barrel).

I believe that your serial number is 3881b.

As an arsenal reworked Luger representing the first three of the major German eras in the 20th century, it's a rather interesting pistol from a history standpoint. It looks to be in very good condition, and would be collectable in my opinion.

Marc