[Marvin]

John,


I have never noticed any "filler" in the WWII black Luger grips, but that is not to say it did not happen; just my observation so far. I had thought that the material was a thermoplastic (injection molded), but I have read that they are a phenolic material (compression molded). They seen to stand up to abuse better than some of the material.


The worst plastic material used on grips was by Sauer & Sohn on the 38H pistol. They tend to shrink over the years and become very brittle. According to Jim Cate, the 38H expert, the grips would have been great if some type filler had been used in them.


A couple of years ago, I began a little investigation into the marking on the inside of P.38 grips. Although I don't have enough information to make a qualifying statement, i think the marking can be used to "date" the grips for a certain time frame of manufacture for a P.38. If Warren Buxton can ever complete the 4th vol of the P.38 set, he is supposed to provide details on these marking. I have sent the information collected so far on the grip markings to the collective group who is assisting Mr. Buxton so maybe one day we will see this information in print.


Marvin