More Ku 's

[nahpatronen]

A friend of mine has 3 K�¼. The first is K�¼ 4444 with wood grips. Marked on the receiver: 41 42

[nahpatronen]

The next is 2710 K�¼ with black grips. Marked on the receiver: 41 S/42

[nahpatronen]

And the last K�¼ - 4785K�¼ - with black grips. Marked on the receiver: 41 byf
All these 3 K�¼ are factory new and completely numbermatching but this here has a trigger #95. Inside the frame it's marked 95 but the frame is correct marked 4785. It's the higest number of a K�¼ I have heard of.

[Lugerdoc]

NP, Thanks for the photos. I've love to see all the proofing on these particularly #4785KU, as the highest number that Gibson (author corrected from Buxton to Gibson by admin-JS so as not to confuse the new folks Tom) shows in his "The Kreighoff Parabellum" book page 138 with a suffix is #3103KU. All know higher numbers have a KU prefix, but these are stanger PO8s to start with. A KU suffix would certainly be easy to add to a normal Mauser 41/42, but the proper LW acceptance proofs, would be a bit more difficult. TH

[Hugh]

What is the earliest dated KU? I have an East German rework that is 1834KU and is a 1938 byf, all matching. It also has a small S/42 on the left side of the receiver in front of the SN.

[John D.]

Hi Hugh,

I've never seen a KU below 3 digits. Further, it appears to me, based on Gibson's reference and updated information since that publication, that the KU "production" spanned a number of toggles/chamber dated marks - but serialization was fairly consistient.

I'm not convinced that of evidence doesn't point to something more conclusive about KU and their manufacturing/production mystery....

Anyway - 1834 would cerainly be lower, but is the KU a prefix or suffix to that number??? Any photos??!

Best to you!

[nahpatronen]

I have a list of K�¼ serial numbers. The list includes 146, 806, 1010 up to 4691.
How many $$$ extra means a K�¼ suffix / prefix ?

[John D.]

Hi Nahpatronen,

My thanks for posting Mr. Gibson's list. Please, in the future - if you post information taken from a source, please acknowledge that source, as it assists in several aspects of research, and as importantly, gives credit to the original researcher/author.

If information is your own - also, please note that as well, as then you are given credit (and folks will more easily challenge you ). Seriously - thanks for understanding...

However, I didn't ask about the prefix or suffix for price reasons - rather, if you look at Gibson's list - you will note the majority of pre "31XX" have the KU as a suffix - post that number, it is a prefix. My question, rather - was to see where Hugh's KU fell - as I also note two of your excellent KUs fall outside that "normal" pattern as well.

Anyway - my thanks again for your fine photos and adding Mr. Gibson's list to this thread. KU Lugers are still a debated mystery as to their origin and final "customers", so any good information is appreciated!!

Best Always,

- John

[Lugerdoc]

Hugh, Your 1938 dated barrelled reciever the is S/42 marked in the S/N area, was probably originally an unnumbered armour's spare part. Who knows went it was added to this gun, and I presume, serialized to match. TH

[nahpatronen]

Sorry
I did get that list printed from a friend. I didn't know where it came from. One addition more to that list is 4119K�¼. 41 byf black grips.
Nahpatronen

[drbuster]

I think nahpatronen was asking how much more money would a booster make if he added Ku proofs to a selected piece, being able also to apply countefeit LW proofs? Are there many boosted Ku's out there?

[nahpatronen]

I don't think any because a real K�¼ has LW proof stamps instead of WaA proof stamps.
Nahpatronen

[John D.]

Hi Nahpatronen,

Thanks for the updated K�¼ number ( 4119K�¼) - and no problem at all about the Gibson reference..!

As you can tell, there is a lot of interest in K�¼ Lugers, so perhaps between yourself, your friend who shared with us his K�¼'s - and the interest on this Forum, we can begin to compile some definitive information. I would assist as much as possible, as I know others would as well.

My thanks again for your Posts!!

- John

[drbuster]

Nahpatronen, I wish I shared your confidence in boosters being unable to duplicate LW proofs. I think the level of sophistication is such that it can be done. If I personally have the good luck to be able to purchase a Ku, I will insist on being allowed to take digital photos to post here for you and other "good eye" experts to assure me that I am buying the "real thing".

[John D.]

Hi Doc,

Well - if you can find one, please do post pics... I guess I'm in the same "mind set" as you, there are a lot of folks that have the ability to "fake" just about anything - and it takes research and personal experience, rather then "book learning" - to differentiate between the two.

Seems we have a lot of "book learned experts" as of late (no, Nahpatronen - I'm not referring to you - just "venting" from another recent experience). edit by John D. - OK - I'm done venting.....

Anyway - I'd be pleased to assist in any way I can.

[Hugh]

1938 byf KU Luger pictures. Note the X above the serial number and the S/42 to the left of the SN, and the dots below the bolt where the VOPO property mark was punched out. The rear toggle link has been renumbered and the sear bar and hinge pin have the 34 electro-etched on. The SN was polished off the bbl, but it still retains the proper marks on the left side, indicating that it is the original bbl.

[nahpatronen]

A little more information on these K�¼'s (all are factory new with LW proof stamps and WaA135)
2710K�¼: (41 - S/42, black grips). All parts match. No number or calibre on barrel. Frame inside: #10
4119K�¼: (41 - byf, black grips). All parts match. Some parts with 42 or S/42. No number on the trigger. Number and calibre on the barrel. No number inside the frame.
K�¼4444: (41 - 42, wood grips). All parts match. Number and calibre on the barrel. Frame inside: #44
4785K�¼: (41 - byf, black grips). All parts match except the trigger which has #95. No number on the barrel but it has a caliber indication. Frame inside #85