I will add to both Don Voigt and Ron Wood.
It was surely messed with. But that could have happened well before your in-law set his eyes on it. We have to remember that Lugers only gained "collectible" status long after WWII ended, before that they were only pistols, fair game for any modification that, the at the time owner, thought best.
"Bubba" is not patented to the USA.
PS. @ Billyboy1661. RW is not saying it's a replica. That "made after 1818 is a reproduction" is just his signature line.
