BCC

I appreciate the response, but where the logic starts getting flakey is as follows:

1. Late Byf 41 and all 42 era Lugers are considered correct with un-numbered black plactic bottom mags... even though there is no way to verify that one of these mags with a byf has been with that pistol since it left the factory.

2. The argument that mis-matched mags can be somewhat excused as not destroying the Luger's collectability status is based on the relativly small number of surviving/available examples with matching mags, this is really a crutch to make an exception of collectability. A holdopen or toggle axle pin is truly a much less signicant part to be mismatched than is a mag....just not as commonly encountered.

3. Seems crazy that a Simson all matched (two magazine) 98% blue, mismatched Simson firing pin, Luger brought back by my Grandfather is simply a $500 shooter because the firing pin is mismatched. While a 1940 dated 42 code, 85%, mismatched magazine (but otherwise matched) Luger is a collector grade gun....

4. I personally would be reluctant to switch mags around on a Luger that I knew from the vet was captured with an incorrect mismatched mag...just in order to make it right in the eyes of a collector.

5. Just as a general observation, I believe in my heart of hearts from decades of collecting and talking to vets (both U.S and German), that many German weapons had parts replaced in the field by the German soldiers and amorers with salvaged parts...this may not mean a flip to "purist collectors" but it certainly impacts the historical context of a firearm...I realize that the challenge is determining what is and what is not a wartime replace ...mostly impossible.