Please help with history

henk · 08-29-2003, 10:01 AM

Hi

I hope somebody can help me. I have very little knowledge about firearms. The Luger in question was produced in 1940 and have the serial number 9345 on it. It has 45 stamped all over the components. Can someone please guide or tell me where this pistol was used/issued. I live in Cape Town South Africa so it most have quite a colorfull past. I know that South African troops fought in Northern Africa and Italy during WW2.

The handle has got an extension that enables it to become like a rifle butt.

It is not for sale but obviously I would be interested in value.

Thanks
Henk

Edward Tinker · 08-29-2003, 11:40 AM

Henk, let me help a bit.

The vast majority of Lugers have the "stock lug" on the rear of the grip. This is believed to be a manufacturer left-over, rather than purposely left as a true stock lug attachment.

I am guessing it has markings on the very top, i.e. the toggle should have markings such as 42 or S/42, byf, probably the first one.

The last two of the serial number "45" should be on many assorted parts, so that is correct.

You can read assorted books and find out what German units were assigned to Africa during WW2, but that would be just a guess, no official records exist that have specific weapon serial number versus units or personnel. It is always possible the gun was brought over during, after WW2 or even 10 years ago, not to burst any bubbles, but you just don't know?

Value is very hard to say, as you are in S. Africa, in America, depending on condition, a 1940 42 marked pistol is worth $400 to $1100, but condition and originality means everything.

Ed

08-29-2003, 10:01 AM	#1
henk New User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: cape town Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Please help with history Hi I hope somebody can help me. I have very little knowledge about firearms. The Luger in question was produced in 1940 and have the serial number 9345 on it. It has 45 stamped all over the components. Can someone please guide or tell me where this pistol was used/issued. I live in Cape Town South Africa so it most have quite a colorfull past. I know that South African troops fought in Northern Africa and Italy during WW2. The handle has got an extension that enables it to become like a rifle butt. It is not for sale but obviously I would be interested in value. Thanks Henk

08-29-2003, 11:40 AM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,967 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,596 Times in 2,117 Posts	Henk, let me help a bit. The vast majority of Lugers have the "stock lug" on the rear of the grip. This is believed to be a manufacturer left-over, rather than purposely left as a true stock lug attachment. I am guessing it has markings on the very top, i.e. the toggle should have markings such as 42 or S/42, byf, probably the first one. The last two of the serial number "45" should be on many assorted parts, so that is correct. You can read assorted books and find out what German units were assigned to Africa during WW2, but that would be just a guess, no official records exist that have specific weapon serial number versus units or personnel. It is always possible the gun was brought over during, after WW2 or even 10 years ago, not to burst any bubbles, but you just don't know? Value is very hard to say, as you are in S. Africa, in America, depending on condition, a 1940 42 marked pistol is worth $400 to $1100, but condition and originality means everything. 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