Bob,
* 1940 chamber date, 42 Code P.08's are generally recognized by collectors for occasionally having brown plastic grips. They are usually found scattered in the late "g", "h", and early "i" block with a very few examples reported on either side of this loose "range".
* Been told these are Kreighoff style grips. At the risk of perpetuating myths, the story goes:
(1) Mauser had a spot shortage of wood grips and/or they bought Kreighoff's excess grip inventory to use on the Army's Military contract.
(2) Another version states: Mauser/Heeres wanted to try out plastic grips in Production/Field tests before they commited to the plastic style. Contracted the plastic grip producer once used by Krieghoff for a small batch run. Molds were naturally the Kreighoff style.
(3) The Mauser produced Luftwaffe designated pistols were equiped with the brown grips cause that is what they were use to from Krieghoff.
(4) I have no documentation or proof for any of these assertions. "Salesmen" sometimes come up with stories stetching the borders of fanciful to close a deal or justify an extra buck. Possibly other forum members can validate/correct this with the real facts.
* Do a search on "grips" AND member# "62" (Rick W.). John D. gave us all a lesson on how to determine original from reproduction brown Kreighoff grips last Dec.,'02. Many good digitals if they're still available.
* Good luck this weekend.
WR
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