BYF 41 w/ 3 digit serial #

lthiardog · 07-28-2010, 08:41 AM

Hi guys,

This is my first post and I am a proud new Luger owner. I purchased a very nice BYF 41 at the estate sale of a WW II veteran. The gentleman was a P-51 pilot stationed in England w/ the 353rd Fighter Squadron.

The Luger seems to be in excellent condition, with all matching numbers except mags and take-down tool. That's question #1 - Should mags and take-down have matching numbers?

I would rate the blueing at 96%? Holster wear on muzzle (both sides) and trigger sideplate are only two spots. Wooden grips are in excellent condition w/ the diamond points showing very little wear.

The mags (2) have plastic bases. Are marked P.08 and FXO. Question #2 - Are these correct mags?

The serial # for this pistol is 198. There is no letter under the serial number under barrel. My understanding is that this was the 198th pistol made in the year 1941. Question #3 - Does having a 3 digit serial number increase value at all?

The brown holster also seems to be in very good condition, with Nazi proof mark and maker on back (I can't remember maker at the moment) The big flaw w/ the holster is that there is an American name and service number etched into the front of it below the flap. It is different than the name of the vetern listed above. I presume that it was picked up by the first fellow and then was traded and eventually ended up w/ the fighter pilot.

Also included are the take-down tool which appears to have a Nazi proof mark, but it is to small for me to read at the moment. And the original letter from the 353rd ordnance officer authorizing the pilot the Luger as a war trophy. Interestingly, on the letter, the caliber is listed as .38. Perhaps a rear echelon army air force ordance guy didn't know caliber of Luger or a typo. I also purchased an original card board box of German 9mm ammo w/ all ammo unfired and the Zippo lighter w/ pilot's name (not sure if WWII or after) which I will keep w/ pistol.

I got into a bidding war for the pistol and I am concerned that I overpaid for it. Based on the info above and my poor pics that I have included, could you guys give me ballpark on what my set is worth?

thanks,
Steve

07-28-2010, 08:41 AM	#1
lthiardog New User Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	BYF 41 w/ 3 digit serial # Hi guys, This is my first post and I am a proud new Luger owner. I purchased a very nice BYF 41 at the estate sale of a WW II veteran. The gentleman was a P-51 pilot stationed in England w/ the 353rd Fighter Squadron. The Luger seems to be in excellent condition, with all matching numbers except mags and take-down tool. That's question #1 - Should mags and take-down have matching numbers? I would rate the blueing at 96%? Holster wear on muzzle (both sides) and trigger sideplate are only two spots. Wooden grips are in excellent condition w/ the diamond points showing very little wear. The mags (2) have plastic bases. Are marked P.08 and FXO. Question #2 - Are these correct mags? The serial # for this pistol is 198. There is no letter under the serial number under barrel. My understanding is that this was the 198th pistol made in the year 1941. Question #3 - Does having a 3 digit serial number increase value at all? The brown holster also seems to be in very good condition, with Nazi proof mark and maker on back (I can't remember maker at the moment) The big flaw w/ the holster is that there is an American name and service number etched into the front of it below the flap. It is different than the name of the vetern listed above. I presume that it was picked up by the first fellow and then was traded and eventually ended up w/ the fighter pilot. Also included are the take-down tool which appears to have a Nazi proof mark, but it is to small for me to read at the moment. And the original letter from the 353rd ordnance officer authorizing the pilot the Luger as a war trophy. Interestingly, on the letter, the caliber is listed as .38. Perhaps a rear echelon army air force ordance guy didn't know caliber of Luger or a typo. I also purchased an original card board box of German 9mm ammo w/ all ammo unfired and the Zippo lighter w/ pilot's name (not sure if WWII or after) which I will keep w/ pistol. I got into a bidding war for the pistol and I am concerned that I overpaid for it. Based on the info above and my poor pics that I have included, could you guys give me ballpark on what my set is worth? thanks, Steve Attached Thumbnails