LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Mauser 42-1939 SN3891

Ron Smith · 01-09-2005, 09:12 PM

Fredo,

VOPO, is the term used for an East German reworked Luger. What you have is a 1939 / 42, Mauser made Luger. It was made in 1939 by Mauser under contract to the German Army. The 42, as Tom pointed out, is the code assigned to Mauser from 1939 -1942. From 1936- 1939 the code was S/42. Approx. 85,000 Lugers were produced in 1939 ( Jan Still's Third Reich Lugers, pages 65 - 66.)

If all of the 2 digit numbers stamped on all of the parts. Match the last 2 digits of the 4 digit serial number. Then you have a matching gun. If not, then it's a mis-match.

However, the fact that it's a VOPO deminishes the value. The grips are East German replacements. The originals were checkered walnut .

Still , a nice pistol. One of the better ones I've seen.

Hope this answers your question. Ron

Fredo, I just noticed in the photo of the serial number, the partial stamp over lapping the O suffix. I thinks it's the top half of the East german Sunburst proof mark.

01-09-2005, 09:12 PM	#8
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Fredo, VOPO, is the term used for an East German reworked Luger. What you have is a 1939 / 42, Mauser made Luger. It was made in 1939 by Mauser under contract to the German Army. The 42, as Tom pointed out, is the code assigned to Mauser from 1939 -1942. From 1936- 1939 the code was S/42. Approx. 85,000 Lugers were produced in 1939 ( Jan Still's Third Reich Lugers, pages 65 - 66.) If all of the 2 digit numbers stamped on all of the parts. Match the last 2 digits of the 4 digit serial number. Then you have a matching gun. If not, then it's a mis-match. However, the fact that it's a VOPO deminishes the value. The grips are East German replacements. The originals were checkered walnut . Still , a nice pistol. One of the better ones I've seen. Hope this answers your question. Ron Fredo, I just noticed in the photo of the serial number, the partial stamp over lapping the O suffix. I thinks it's the top half of the East german Sunburst proof mark. __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...