1940 42 mag/grip questions

Tin Man · 04-28-2009, 03:08 PM

Hello, I am new to the forum. I just picked up my first Luger yesterday. It is a 1940 42 with all numbers matching. My head hurts from all the reading here but had specific questions that I couldnt find the answers to:

1. What would be the original mags for this weapon? It came with a plastic bottom mag (P08 fxo eagle 37) no serial number.

2. It has what appear to be original bakelight grips. I read that a 1940 would not have these. Would walnut grips be correct and would the originals be stamped or marked with anything?

Thank you.

Edward Tinker · 04-28-2009, 04:07 PM

Zac, welcome to the forum. Did you get a chance to read the FAQ, it has info on black grips?

I am not a 3rd Reich expert by any means; but would expect it to have a aluminum base mag, mostr likely eagle 655 marked and "should" have the serial number on it. Finding this exact number is worse than a needle in a hay stack, and to make one is considered bad form

The grips I would expect to be wood, not sure if walnut is correct, but to tell you the truth I am unsure. And again would be last two of the serial number and marked eagle 655.

If "real" black bakelite grips, they are worth a couple of hundred if in good shape.

Ed

Frank · 04-28-2009, 06:09 PM

Hi Tin Man, welcome!! Ed is correct on the grips. They should be wooden and marked with the last two digits of the serial number.

Now for the magazine; the type and configuration depends on the serial number. It's important to know both the number AND letter suffix, if there is one. This information is located on the front of the frame, just below the barrel.

The fxo magazine and black grips are appropriate for a late 41 byf or 42 byf.

Congrats on your new Luger!!

George Anderson · 04-28-2009, 06:25 PM

1940 dated 42 code Lugers, though rarely, are known to have brown bakelite grips. If yours are correct they add to the value.

Tin Man · 04-30-2009, 08:25 AM

Thanks for the responses. The grips are black and do appear to be original bakelight grips - just not original to this pistol. I believe the former owner(s) wanted to make it a "black widow". It was a trade-in at a gun store so I don't know its history.

Zac

04-28-2009, 03:08 PM	#1
Tin Man New User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1940 42 mag/grip questions Hello, I am new to the forum. I just picked up my first Luger yesterday. It is a 1940 42 with all numbers matching. My head hurts from all the reading here but had specific questions that I couldnt find the answers to: 1. What would be the original mags for this weapon? It came with a plastic bottom mag (P08 fxo eagle 37) no serial number. 2. It has what appear to be original bakelight grips. I read that a 1940 would not have these. Would walnut grips be correct and would the originals be stamped or marked with anything? Thank you.

04-28-2009, 04:07 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	Zac, welcome to the forum. Did you get a chance to read the FAQ, it has info on black grips? I am not a 3rd Reich expert by any means; but would expect it to have a aluminum base mag, mostr likely eagle 655 marked and "should" have the serial number on it. Finding this exact number is worse than a needle in a hay stack, and to make one is considered bad form The grips I would expect to be wood, not sure if walnut is correct, but to tell you the truth I am unsure. And again would be last two of the serial number and marked eagle 655. If "real" black bakelite grips, they are worth a couple of hundred if in good shape. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

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04-28-2009, 06:09 PM	#3
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 164 Times in 87 Posts	Hi Tin Man, welcome!! Ed is correct on the grips. They should be wooden and marked with the last two digits of the serial number. Now for the magazine; the type and configuration depends on the serial number. It's important to know both the number AND letter suffix, if there is one. This information is located on the front of the frame, just below the barrel. The fxo magazine and black grips are appropriate for a late 41 byf or 42 byf. Congrats on your new Luger!!

04-28-2009, 06:25 PM	#4
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,531 Times in 788 Posts	1940 dated 42 code Lugers, though rarely, are known to have brown bakelite grips. If yours are correct they add to the value.

04-30-2009, 08:25 AM	#5
Tin Man New User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the responses. The grips are black and do appear to be original bakelight grips - just not original to this pistol. I believe the former owner(s) wanted to make it a "black widow". It was a trade-in at a gun store so I don't know its history. Zac