tomheller

I don't claim to be an expert on German luger production methods, but from my observations, I would say that an original set of grips installed at the factory, should at least be made of the same color wood and if serialized have the same die set sized numbers in about the same area on both sides. I have sold many a single side grip over the years and in some cases, with the requested number. So I know that there have to be many "matching" lugers out there with replacement grips. Probably one of the easiest methods to tell if the grips are original to a pistol, even if they are unnumbered is by the fit. On all of the unmodified PO8s that I've examined, the grips were hand fitted to the edges of the grip straps perfectly, with no overhang or underage. Last week I just examined a minty 1936 Vet bring back in the "g" block with capture papers, that I know was right, and its grips were unnumbered. So there are definately some exceptions to the general rule of thumb, that military lugers should have numbered grips.