[Reef Donkey]

My late father left me an interesting 1898 8mm Mauser rifle which I have enjoyed researching as well as occasionally shooting. When a friend in a financial bind called to say he needed to sell a Luger given to him by the late father of another mutual friend, the potential for a new investigation project got the better of me. Research here would have told me that this is a more complicated proposition that I had imagined.

The pistol was brought home from WWII by the third friend's father, who reported it having been an officer's sidearm. From what I have read here it appears to be of commercial production, all the serial numbers appear to match and it is in very good condition. The guy I got it from had shot it a few times, but was apparently shooting .380 ammo in it. 9mm rounds chamber and cycle correctly, though I have not yet fired it.

In spite of the breach date stamping, the matching number magazine has an aluminum base plate, which one of the previous posts here indicates would seem a mid '30s production run. The proof stamps on the barrel and the caliber designation I understand, as with the receiver proof. The marking just forward of the date stamp I have yet to find and could use help with, as well as the stamp in the magazine well, of which I have yet to get a really good photo.

Any information anyone has interest in providing would be appreciated.