Info on this Luger

pippy · 11-07-2009, 08:48 PM

I recently inherited this Luger from my Grandfather. I believe he got it from one of his brothers who came back from WWII. I want to display it, but I would like to know some history behind it first.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Marshall

Tomathvl · 11-07-2009, 09:30 PM

Marshall,

Welcome to the forum.

Based on the dark photos it's a 42 byf which translates to made in 1942 by byf = Mauser.

Tom

pippy · 11-07-2009, 09:34 PM

all of the markings are either 52 or 42 or 4252. There is one near the barrel that says 135, 135, and appears to have an eagle stamp

pippy · 11-07-2009, 09:52 PM

and the letter appears to be an h or an upside down y

FNorm · 11-07-2009, 10:20 PM

According to Still's the serial range for 42 byf is 500- 149m. So an h suffix would be correct. Estimated German military procurement 113,000

FN

Frank · 11-08-2009, 08:20 AM

Hello, Welcome to the Luger Forum. Serial number 4252h, 42 byf, was completed in May 1942, give or take a month. The time frame can only be estimated, based on a regular production schedule & the initial (or starting serial number). Hope this helps a little.

pippy · 11-08-2009, 09:16 AM

Does it appear to be in the orginal condition? Is that what differentiates a "shooter" from a "collector"? Should I try and remove the grips to verify #s? I am pretty sure it has been in our family since coming back to the USA.

Also, how could I determine and purchase the appropriate holster and tool for this pistol. I would like to create a display and pass it along to my son.

Thanks
Marshall

bobcam1 · 11-08-2009, 06:02 PM

Is the number on the bottom of the magazine a match to the numbers on the Luger, itself?

pippy · 11-09-2009, 12:43 PM

the very bottom of the magazine is black plastic

there is a #37 below the fxo inscription on the side of the magazine

Lugerdoc · 11-11-2009, 09:47 AM

Your mag is the correct issue mag for a 42BYF. The proper loading tool should also have the E/135 WaA, but due to limited production, these are selling in the $150 range. A 1942 dated holster would be nice, but since the holsters were issued separately, any date, even a WW1, may have been what it was originally carried in. TH

Edward Tinker · 11-11-2009, 10:38 AM

As Tom says, a luger can be found in many dates. Personally, I try to find one that year, the year before and as a last resort, one from the year after (well, last, last resort is any holster)

Ed

pippy · 11-11-2009, 06:59 PM

the ones i see on ebay are either brown or black, would either color be appropriate?

any good pictures of displays that members have put together?

Thanks

11-07-2009, 08:48 PM	#1
pippy User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Info on this Luger I recently inherited this Luger from my Grandfather. I believe he got it from one of his brothers who came back from WWII. I want to display it, but I would like to know some history behind it first. Thanks in advance for any help, Marshall Attached Thumbnails

11-07-2009, 10:20 PM	#5
FNorm Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 978 Thanks: 68 Thanked 127 Times in 108 Posts	According to Still's the serial range for 42 byf is 500- 149m. So an h suffix would be correct. Estimated German military procurement 113,000 FN Last edited by FNorm; 11-07-2009 at 10:21 PM. Reason: add

11-11-2009, 09:47 AM	#10
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	Your mag is the correct issue mag for a 42BYF. The proper loading tool should also have the E/135 WaA, but due to limited production, these are selling in the $150 range. A 1942 dated holster would be nice, but since the holsters were issued separately, any date, even a WW1, may have been what it was originally carried in. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

11-11-2009, 10:38 AM	#11
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	As Tom says, a luger can be found in many dates. Personally, I try to find one that year, the year before and as a last resort, one from the year after (well, last, last resort is any holster) 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

11-07-2009, 09:30 PM	#2
Tomathvl User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Milan, IN Posts: 363 Thanks: 3 Thanked 48 Times in 19 Posts	Marshall, Welcome to the forum. Based on the dark photos it's a 42 byf which translates to made in 1942 by byf = Mauser. Tom

11-07-2009, 09:34 PM	#3
pippy User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	all of the markings are either 52 or 42 or 4252. There is one near the barrel that says 135, 135, and appears to have an eagle stamp

11-07-2009, 09:52 PM	#4
pippy User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	and the letter appears to be an h or an upside down y

11-08-2009, 08:20 AM	#6
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	Hello, Welcome to the Luger Forum. Serial number 4252h, 42 byf, was completed in May 1942, give or take a month. The time frame can only be estimated, based on a regular production schedule & the initial (or starting serial number). Hope this helps a little.

11-08-2009, 09:16 AM	#7
pippy User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Does it appear to be in the orginal condition? Is that what differentiates a "shooter" from a "collector"? Should I try and remove the grips to verify #s? I am pretty sure it has been in our family since coming back to the USA. Also, how could I determine and purchase the appropriate holster and tool for this pistol. I would like to create a display and pass it along to my son. Thanks Marshall

11-08-2009, 06:02 PM	#8
bobcam1 User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 92 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Is the number on the bottom of the magazine a match to the numbers on the Luger, itself?

11-09-2009, 12:43 PM	#9
pippy User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	the very bottom of the magazine is black plastic there is a #37 below the fxo inscription on the side of the magazine

11-11-2009, 06:59 PM	#12
pippy User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	the ones i see on ebay are either brown or black, would either color be appropriate? any good pictures of displays that members have put together? Thanks