Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter S
In the "u" block there is a good chance that it originally came with 2 numbered aluminum bottom magazines.
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Peter,
I agree and would say that it "probably" did have walnut grip panels when it left the factory.
I would go further and say that the magazines with it did not even exist when this pistol was made. Note the black plastic bottoms. Note the right side up orientation of the P.08 stamps.
Mauser first started using Haenel type magazines in 1940. They had a 122 manufacturer code. Then in 1941, the code was changed to fxo and the requirement to stamp parts with P.08 came into effect. Problem: they stamped the P.08 upside down.
Then production was shifted to August Menz who built the Haenel magazines under license. They got the P.08 right. But by now we are late 1941 and the bottoms are still aluminum base.
Then production started at Manteuffel and Company, using forced labor,and the design shifts to black plastic bottoms. This is the type 6 magazine that is most commonly seen. But we are in 1942 by this time.
I really hate to get on my soap box but too many good and righteous 1941 guns were turned into Black Widows because they garnered a little more money. I fear this is one of them.
But again: JMVHO
John