Mauser S/42 1936 Luger - Can You Give Me Some More Info Please

[Peter Anhalt]

Hope you can help me with some critical info on this Mauser.

I’m a newbie when it comes to Lugers (I’m into late 19th Century rimfires but recently bought three Lugers at an auction and I’m bitten with the bug).

This Luger has been deactivated. Please don’t shoot me down in flames about that, I’m in the UK and our Government doesn’t allow honest citizens to carry live firearms.

I posted some pictures recently of the first of the three that I bought, a DWM, and had some really helpful info on its history.

I’m hoping you guys can give me some informed info on this one.

As I can make out - it’s a 1936 Mauser S/42, with a “p” suffix, mostly matching numbers (hope the pictures tell the story).

From what I’ve gleaned from the mass of information on this site is that only about 90,000 were made and the “p” suffix was the last series in 1936, with only about 4,500 made. It seems to have the correct stampings on the right hand side of the receiver (droop wing over 63, being the Army acceptance stamp).

Its been buffed and re-blued but the right hand receiver stampings show pretty clear.

I’m puzzled by the “X” on the underside front of the frame, below the serial number and the proof mark at the back of the toggle (on the top) and the markings on the underside of “train” i.e. in front of the striker and behind it, I hope my photo’s have captured the markings clear enough.

All comments, observations and thoughts will be much appreciated.

My thanks in advance,

Peter