Never shot 1938

allkidd · 11-21-2015, 12:06 PM

Recently, my dad passed away. One of his possessions is a 1938 or 39 Luger 9mm that has never been shot. My dad served in WW2 but I think that he bought this gun later in life.

He didn't talk about the gun much but I remember him saying that it was assigned to a NAZI security guard. Also, I beleive he said it was a 39 but it has 1938 on the top of it.

The numbering seems to be consistent as it has #5621 written on it in a couple places and 21 on most every part.

I know very little about Lugars but would like to learn a bit more about it. I've had it cleaned by a gunsmith but he didn't know much about old Lugars, except to say it is a really nice gun.

Actually, I would like to shoot it but hesitate until I find out a little more about the worth of the gun if I don't shoot it verse if I do. Not that it really matters because I don't want to sell the gun either way.

Any help would be greatly appreciated or, if anybody could point me in the right direction to find out some additional information.

Arizona Slim · 11-21-2015, 12:32 PM

Hi Allkidd and welcome to the forum. Please post photos from every angel and in good outdoor light if possible as that is the only way knowledgeable forum members will be able to give you the information you are looking for.
Lon

rhuff · 11-21-2015, 04:00 PM

Welcome to the forum. There are many very knowledgeable folks here on this forum that will gladly help you out with information. As Az Slim stated, photos are need to give the information needed to evaluate this Luger. Good lighting, good close ups of numbers and proof marks, inside of grips, etc. You can not submit too many quality photos....the more the better. Sounds as though you have a very nice Luger.

Sergio Natali · 11-21-2015, 04:00 PM

Randy

Welcome to this Forum of LUGER enthusiasts.
I'm afraid without pictures it's almost impossile for you to receive a fairly correct answer.
I would ask you to post some close up pictures of your 1938 gun, preferably taken without flash in daylight but not in the sun.

Edward Tinker · 11-21-2015, 04:17 PM

If its dated 1938, its a 1938 (made by Mauser)

Shooting any gun carries risks - but if you damage a numbered part its value is about half or less, which would be a shame. Of course some people on the forum will tell you that shooting a box here or there won't hurt, but since I just blew out a numbered part a few weeks ago, so it happens (that was on a ix-master shooter, so who cares).

I also made it where you will get notified when someone posts, in case you were not able to check here.

Be advised that it is unlikely never to have been fired, perhaps seldom if it belonged to some kind of guard, but then it would likely show years of carry. But anything is possible, just preparing you

Ed

aldo35 · 11-21-2015, 05:58 PM

Hi,

In addition to pictures you might want to post in general terms your location. For example Texas panhandle or mid Tennessee. You may find a forum member close by to assist you.

You may have noticed some forum members include their local area in their bio.

Aldo35

allkidd · 11-21-2015, 07:13 PM

Thanks for all the quick replies. I'm not much of a photographer, but here is my attempt at posting pics.

allkidd · 11-21-2015, 07:16 PM

one pic:

allkidd · 11-21-2015, 07:18 PM

Two Pics:

allkidd · 11-21-2015, 07:24 PM

Also, I'm in the Kansas City area.

padredan · 11-21-2015, 10:32 PM

welcome to the forum . very nice p08 you have

DavidJayUden · 11-21-2015, 11:29 PM

A very nice gun. If you want to shoot a Luger, why not buy a shooter, then sell it off once you are done scratching the itch? You may even make a buck or 2. It would be a real shame to "ruin" your Mauser banner gun just to satisfy the urge to hear it go bang.
I'm not well versed on the current going rate for the Mauser banners, but it is usually higher than the 42, S42, BYF Mausers. Probably over $2k. Go to Simpson Ltd. website and look at their prices on Mauser banners.
I'm in Omaha, but I doubt that there is much more that I could tell you even if it was in my hands. Hopefully the Mauser guys will turn off the football games and chime in...
dju

mrerick · 11-22-2015, 12:24 AM

Hi, Welcome to the forum.

I can just barely make out the detail in your photos. It looks like a matching Luger, but has some inconsistent markings. It is military marked, 1938 Mauser made in the "m" block. The "m" is part of the serial number, and a suffix. 5621m. A military accepted Luger should not have the Mauser barrel logo on the toggle.

It looks like there may be a Crown/U mark on the left side of the receiver above the serial number digits. If that is the case, this is likely a Russian Capture rework, and may have been refinished at that time.

Does the inside of the trigger plate have either a "36" or "37" stamped inside?

Are there import marks anywhere on the pistol? Does it have a large "X" stamped anywhere?

Marc

allkidd · 11-22-2015, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

Hi, Welcome to the forum.

I can just barely make out the detail in your photos. It looks like a matching Luger, but has some inconsistent markings. It is military marked, 1938 Mauser made in the "m" block. The "m" is part of the serial number, and a suffix. 5621m. A military accepted Luger should not have the Mauser barrel logo on the toggle.

It looks like there may be a Crown/U mark on the left side of the receiver above the serial number digits. If that is the case, this is likely a Russian Capture rework, and may have been refinished at that time.

Does the inside of the trigger plate have either a "36" or "37" stamped inside?

Are there import marks anywhere on the pistol? Does it have a large "X" stamped anywhere?

Marc

Yes, the left side, above the 5621, it looks like a crown with a u attached.

I don't see a 36 or 37 anywhere. On the very top there is a 39 stamped.

No x marks anywhere.

Thanks!

Sergio Natali · 11-22-2015, 09:21 AM

Honestly I cannot see that much from your pictures but it looks like a nice Luger apart from the fact that , as Marc said, there are some "contradictions".
Yet the most important thing of that gun is that it belonged to your father.

mrerick · 11-22-2015, 11:14 AM

On a matching trigger plate in that year of Mauser Luger manufacture, you would find the first two digits of the serial number, or the first digits plus 1 stamped on the inside. It's probable that this trigger plate was replaced at some point.

As nice as the condition on this Luger is, the replacement of parts and rework probably makes this more of a high end "shooter" than a collectible.

For that reason, I see no reason to avoid shooting it. Use standard velocity 9mm 115gn or 124gn ammo.

Marc

DonVoigt · 11-22-2015, 11:24 AM

Yes,
looks like it could be a good shooter. Clean and lube it with oil.

You don't mention or show the magazine.

Put up a picture including any markings on the base.

The magazine is a key to a good shooter, you may need/want to buy a good aftermarket mag to use, brand Mec gar.

Lugerdoc · 11-22-2015, 12:09 PM

I agree that it is unusual to find a Mauser Banner luger with both commerical and military proofing. But since they are both on the same matching (to toggle) receiver, could this be a commerical luger that was rerouted to the military? Still's Third Reich Lugers page 140 mentions 2 other 1938 banners, one in the v suffix block and one in the n, with both commerical proofing and E/63 military acceptance. TH

Edward Tinker · 11-22-2015, 01:07 PM

I have seen a couple of Mauser Banner with military markings on police and military - we show several police in our book

mrerick · 11-23-2015, 09:50 AM

I actually have a very late Mauser Luger which has E/135 markings and a Banner toggle. The finish is consistent on my gun, which is early in the "g" block of 1942.

On the one posted here, there is likely finish inconsistency, the replaced toggle and the C/U Suhl proof...

Marc

11-21-2015, 12:06 PM	#1
allkidd User Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Never shot 1938 Recently, my dad passed away. One of his possessions is a 1938 or 39 Luger 9mm that has never been shot. My dad served in WW2 but I think that he bought this gun later in life. He didn't talk about the gun much but I remember him saying that it was assigned to a NAZI security guard. Also, I beleive he said it was a 39 but it has 1938 on the top of it. The numbering seems to be consistent as it has #5621 written on it in a couple places and 21 on most every part. I know very little about Lugars but would like to learn a bit more about it. I've had it cleaned by a gunsmith but he didn't know much about old Lugars, except to say it is a really nice gun. Actually, I would like to shoot it but hesitate until I find out a little more about the worth of the gun if I don't shoot it verse if I do. Not that it really matters because I don't want to sell the gun either way. Any help would be greatly appreciated or, if anybody could point me in the right direction to find out some additional information.

11-21-2015, 04:00 PM	#4
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Randy Welcome to this Forum of LUGER enthusiasts. I'm afraid without pictures it's almost impossile for you to receive a fairly correct answer. I would ask you to post some close up pictures of your 1938 gun, preferably taken without flash in daylight but not in the sun. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

11-21-2015, 05:58 PM	#6
aldo35 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Northern GA Posts: 402 Thanks: 2,340 Thanked 187 Times in 92 Posts	1938 Mauser Hi, In addition to pictures you might want to post in general terms your location. For example Texas panhandle or mid Tennessee. You may find a forum member close by to assist you. You may have noticed some forum members include their local area in their bio. Aldo35

11-21-2015, 07:13 PM	#7
allkidd User Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Pics Thanks for all the quick replies. I'm not much of a photographer, but here is my attempt at posting pics.

11-21-2015, 10:32 PM	#11
padredan User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: louisiana Now, but from the Rebublic of Texas Posts: 937 Thanks: 429 Thanked 316 Times in 182 Posts	welcome to the forum . very nice p08 you have __________________ In this world nothing is free, except the grace of God

11-21-2015, 12:32 PM	#2
Arizona Slim Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 706 Thanks: 1,026 Thanked 409 Times in 225 Posts	Hi Allkidd and welcome to the forum. Please post photos from every angel and in good outdoor light if possible as that is the only way knowledgeable forum members will be able to give you the information you are looking for. Lon

11-21-2015, 04:00 PM	#3
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,314 Thanks: 2,746 Thanked 998 Times in 733 Posts	Welcome to the forum. There are many very knowledgeable folks here on this forum that will gladly help you out with information. As Az Slim stated, photos are need to give the information needed to evaluate this Luger. Good lighting, good close ups of numbers and proof marks, inside of grips, etc. You can not submit too many quality photos....the more the better. Sounds as though you have a very nice Luger.

11-21-2015, 04:17 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,974 Thanks: 2,072 Thanked 4,608 Times in 2,123 Posts	If its dated 1938, its a 1938 (made by Mauser) Shooting any gun carries risks - but if you damage a numbered part its value is about half or less, which would be a shame. Of course some people on the forum will tell you that shooting a box here or there won't hurt, but since I just blew out a numbered part a few weeks ago, so it happens (that was on a ix-master shooter, so who cares). I also made it where you will get notified when someone posts, in case you were not able to check here. Be advised that it is unlikely never to have been fired, perhaps seldom if it belonged to some kind of guard, but then it would likely show years of carry. But anything is possible, just preparing you 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

11-21-2015, 07:24 PM	#10
allkidd User Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Also, I'm in the Kansas City area.

11-21-2015, 11:29 PM	#12
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	A very nice gun. If you want to shoot a Luger, why not buy a shooter, then sell it off once you are done scratching the itch? You may even make a buck or 2. It would be a real shame to "ruin" your Mauser banner gun just to satisfy the urge to hear it go bang. I'm not well versed on the current going rate for the Mauser banners, but it is usually higher than the 42, S42, BYF Mausers. Probably over $2k. Go to Simpson Ltd. website and look at their prices on Mauser banners. I'm in Omaha, but I doubt that there is much more that I could tell you even if it was in my hands. Hopefully the Mauser guys will turn off the football games and chime in... dju

11-22-2015, 12:24 AM	#13
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,925 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,139 Times in 1,520 Posts	Hi, Welcome to the forum. I can just barely make out the detail in your photos. It looks like a matching Luger, but has some inconsistent markings. It is military marked, 1938 Mauser made in the "m" block. The "m" is part of the serial number, and a suffix. 5621m. A military accepted Luger should not have the Mauser barrel logo on the toggle. It looks like there may be a Crown/U mark on the left side of the receiver above the serial number digits. If that is the case, this is likely a Russian Capture rework, and may have been refinished at that time. Does the inside of the trigger plate have either a "36" or "37" stamped inside? Are there import marks anywhere on the pistol? Does it have a large "X" stamped anywhere? Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

11-22-2015, 09:21 AM	#15
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Honestly I cannot see that much from your pictures but it looks like a nice Luger apart from the fact that , as Marc said, there are some "contradictions". Yet the most important thing of that gun is that it belonged to your father. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

11-22-2015, 11:14 AM	#16
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,925 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,139 Times in 1,520 Posts	On a matching trigger plate in that year of Mauser Luger manufacture, you would find the first two digits of the serial number, or the first digits plus 1 stamped on the inside. It's probable that this trigger plate was replaced at some point. As nice as the condition on this Luger is, the replacement of parts and rework probably makes this more of a high end "shooter" than a collectible. For that reason, I see no reason to avoid shooting it. Use standard velocity 9mm 115gn or 124gn ammo. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

11-22-2015, 11:24 AM	#17
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,443 Thanked 4,356 Times in 2,041 Posts	Yes, looks like it could be a good shooter. Clean and lube it with oil. You don't mention or show the magazine. Put up a picture including any markings on the base. The magazine is a key to a good shooter, you may need/want to buy a good aftermarket mag to use, brand Mec gar.

11-22-2015, 12:09 PM	#18
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	I agree that it is unusual to find a Mauser Banner luger with both commerical and military proofing. But since they are both on the same matching (to toggle) receiver, could this be a commerical luger that was rerouted to the military? Still's Third Reich Lugers page 140 mentions 2 other 1938 banners, one in the v suffix block and one in the n, with both commerical proofing and E/63 military acceptance. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

11-22-2015, 01:07 PM	#19
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,974 Thanks: 2,072 Thanked 4,608 Times in 2,123 Posts	I have seen a couple of Mauser Banner with military markings on police and military - we show several police in our book __________________ 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

11-23-2015, 09:50 AM	#20
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,925 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,139 Times in 1,520 Posts	I actually have a very late Mauser Luger which has E/135 markings and a Banner toggle. The finish is consistent on my gun, which is early in the "g" block of 1942. On the one posted here, there is likely finish inconsistency, the replaced toggle and the C/U Suhl proof... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

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