Two Lugers: S/42 1936 and 1937

[johnii]

I got the 1936 a few days ago and already had the 1937 a long time. I just wanted to show the two together in some photos. I know you all like photos!

1937 (top) 1936 (below):



1937 (left) 1936 (right):





1937 (above) 1936 (below):

[johnii]

[johnii]

Note the S/42 1936 has no "Mauser Hump."

[johnii]

It came with the 1936:

[johnii]

The "Death Head" Ivory Grips are obviously after market made by somebody. The German Third Reich Tag came from somebody who had it or added it. I have another mag for the 1936 after market.

I have RWS FMC 124gr and Federal 9BP. Couldn't get a hold of Win 115 gr Silver Tips anywhere. Wish Olin would make it an available ammunition to shoot in 9mm Luger but for some reason it is out of stock everywhere.

[DavidJayUden]

..

[johnii]

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

..

inre specific questions the mark before the serial number on the reciever/barrel on the left side. Also the question of if the frame (no Mauser hump) was a leftover in DWM that Mauser used to put this thing together.

The wood grips are aftermarket as well as the Ivory Death's Head Grips but both grip sets work perfectly on the handle without any slop. All parts of the 1936 match inside and out on all the metal parts.

[DavidJayUden]

Yes'ir, we do love photos!
Very nice guns. Did you have any specific questions regarding them?
dju

[DavidJayUden]

Plain old Winchester 115 gr. FMJ in the "white box" is the favorite around here, but I've had good luck with Sellier and Belloit 115 FMJ too.
dju

[wlyon]

From the photos the 1936 appears to be reblued. The safety lever from the photo looks to be blued ? The holster is a poorly made repro. Not constructed correctly for a ww2 holster. What is the serial number on the 1937 ? Probably none of this is new news to you? Happy collecting. Bill

[johnii]

Originally Posted by wlyon

From the photos the 1936 appears to be reblued. The safety lever from the photo looks to be blued ? The holster is a poorly made repro. Not constructed correctly for a ww2 holster. What is the serial number on the 1937 ? Probably none of this is new news to you? Happy collecting. Bill

I am sure it is reblued. Same with safety lever. The holster I don't know enough about to understand except to say I am in a bit of awe about it looking right. It has 1941 stamped on it and some words:

BAUTZEN 1941 P0-8 and WaA170 and BG LEUNER GmbH

Serial Number on the 1937 is

4068 with the suffix "b."

Oh and yes this is news to me! Thanks!

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by johnii

... about it looking right. It has 1941 stamped on it and some words:

BAUTZEN 1941 P0-8 and WaA170 and BG LEUNER GmbH...

John,

The holsters are another realm of detail and features all their own and many variations and versions exist. I'm not one of the experts about them, but having been exposed to info from the members on this forum who know whereof they speak, I can tell you what I've noticed in the holster pics.
First, the condition , basically new, of this holster is the first giveaway that it's recent repro--shiny, spotlessly clean, unblemished, with bright white stitching--well, yes, it was probably born yesterday... The relatively crooked stitching is a clue that it's not original. The dry-looking, cracked closure strap is indicative of inferior quality material used by these usually Asian, usually Indian or Pakistani knock-offs, which are available online for around $30. And when it comes to markings stamped into the leather, this is common in leather-work that tries to reproduce original features, and can be added any time.

+1, what Bill says about books and "homework"!!!

[kubel]

Also, the belt loops are parallel to the top of the holster....they should be tilted. The stitching on the bottom of the front loop (left loop as you're looking at the rear) should continue to the right to secure the internal release strap. On most reproductions, they stitch the release strap separately as done with yours.

[pitsword]

Thanks for sharing, nice pair. Any chance the '36 is a VOPO? The button on the take down lever looks a little over sized. Ooops, just looked my '37 S42 and it is the same. Good on you.

[alanint]

I agree on all, Bill, and would add repro grips.

[wlyon]

None of the 1936 Mausers had the Mauser bump. This started during the 1937 production. Sorry about your holster but it is a poor repro. Normal to have faked dates manufacturers etc. Look at pictures of original WW2 holsters ,especially the back, and you will see the issues. Hope you did not pay much for this. These sell on eBay for under $40. We have all been there during our early collecting days. Part of the luger tuition. Buy all the books you can afford and study study study. And then you will still make mistakes. Happy collecting Bill

[johnii]

Originally Posted by wlyon

None of the 1936 Mausers had the Mauser bump. This started during the 1937 production. Sorry about your holster but it is a poor repro. Normal to have faked dates manufacturers etc. Look at pictures of original WW2 holsters ,especially the back, and you will see the issues. Hope you did not pay much for this. These sell on eBay for under $40. We have all been there during our early collecting days. Part of the luger tuition. Buy all the books you can afford and study study study. And then you will still make mistakes. Happy collecting Bill

wylon,

You just relieved me with the 1936 Mausers not having bumps. When I got the Luger (1936 S/42) I knew it had been reblued because the bluing was even all over the gun without showing wear on parts that would become worn. I figured it was hot blued dipped or something like it all over but this did not really worry me. All parts are matching numbers for the gun and the gun worked flawlessly for the previous owner (whose daughter also enjoyed shooting). The holster was just a throw in with the presentation case and the Third Reich Insignia along with two sets of grips not original to the gun (Walnut and Ivory).

My idea of collecting Lugers is for shooting rather than putting away as too valuable to shoot. My 1937 shoots perfectly but hits a foot high at 50 yards. I haven't shot the 1936 yet but I have known the owner since we met many years ago. He was in Vietnam and I was in Panama, Haiti, and Bosnia. I've bought a lot of guns from him and all of them proved to be the best to collect. He said the holster was after market as well as both sets of grips, but the 1936 S/42 does have all matching parts (reblued). A collector likes all original without rebluing I know but in my collecting I am able to make room where true collectors are not able to make room.

My avatar is a true WWII Walther PPK of the Third Reich with Dural Frame and the Eagle with Swastika imprinted below the magazine release. It is rare. Serial number 429630 k. I bought it rather cheaply and found out it was one of some thousand that Walther PP collectors would like to have if they can find it. It shoots perfectly (7.65mm Zella Mehlis Thur.).

I like P-08s because of the history and especially because of the WAY they shoot! There is no other 9mm pistol like a P-08!

I tend to like the military versions instead of the Domestic versions because I was a soldier once now fading away....

PS.

I like issued guns to military and not to civilians. I can't help myself on this.

[Ron Wood]

One more tell-tale sign; on a WWII holster the back of the magazine pouch is a continuation of the back of the holster. On this holster the magazine pouch is completely separate like a WWI holster.

[alanint]

Also, the black polish is seen to run into the raw leather on the inside. You just don't see this sloppiness on real holsters.

[Geo99]

Originally Posted by johnii

My 1937 shoots perfectly but hits a foot high at 50 yards.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember reading something about in order to get the correct sight picture on a military Luger, you have to bury the front sight deep in the rear "V".

I believe most if not all military Lugers were sighted like this. I also think they were sighted in at 50 yds not 25?