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Frank · 08-10-2004, 10:26 AM

Hi Jim, welcome to the Luger Forum. Ron is correct. Jan Still's Third Reich Lugers will give you a good start.

To determine which grip and magazine type was original to your 41 byf we need to know the serial number, including the script letter if there is one. First make sure the pistol is unloaded!! Look on the front of the pistol on the frame for the serial number. Then just below the number there should be a letter, if there is one.

The Eagle-over-655 is known as a Waffenamt Mark or inspection mark. There should also be an Eagle-over-swastika which is a proof mark, and means the pistol was subjected to a test with over charged cartridges that produce a higher than standard pressure.

The term Black Widow was invented by a US Dealer to sell Lugers that had Black Bakelite Grips. There was no such official designation. Some 1941 and all 1942 byf Lugers might have been shipped with these Bakelite Grips. Today a Luger that has these grips and a black bottom magazine is known as a "Black Widow".

Let us know what you have and we'll try to help!!

BTW do all the parts have either numbers that match the front frame number or the last two digits of the front frame number?

08-10-2004, 10:26 AM	#3
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 164 Times in 87 Posts	Hi Jim, welcome to the Luger Forum. Ron is correct. Jan Still's Third Reich Lugers will give you a good start. To determine which grip and magazine type was original to your 41 byf we need to know the serial number, including the script letter if there is one. First make sure the pistol is unloaded!! Look on the front of the pistol on the frame for the serial number. Then just below the number there should be a letter, if there is one. The Eagle-over-655 is known as a Waffenamt Mark or inspection mark. There should also be an Eagle-over-swastika which is a proof mark, and means the pistol was subjected to a test with over charged cartridges that produce a higher than standard pressure. The term Black Widow was invented by a US Dealer to sell Lugers that had Black Bakelite Grips. There was no such official designation. Some 1941 and all 1942 byf Lugers might have been shipped with these Bakelite Grips. Today a Luger that has these grips and a black bottom magazine is known as a "Black Widow". Let us know what you have and we'll try to help!! BTW do all the parts have either numbers that match the front frame number or the last two digits of the front frame number?