1941 Mauser Banner Police

[John D.]

I thought Iâ??d take an opportunity to present a 1941 E/L Proofed Mauser Police Banner for your review. While Mauser Banners are outside my primary collecting area, this piece is excellent - both as a representative example of later Mauser production and classic Eagle L (â??E/Lâ?�) proofed Police Lugers. Please note, that all information is attributed to Mr. Jan Still, and his contributing collectors as noted in his excellent work â??Third Reich Lugersâ?�, without which â?? I would be lost on this variation.

As well, I have been wanting to post this treatise for some time, but I also wanted to conduct adequate research for those who may want to use this as a learning experience. Therefore, I also tried to take some very detailed photos of the areas that might be of interest.

According to Mr. Still (PP147 â?? Third Reich Lugers), approximately 5,915 1941 Mauser Banner Lugers were produced. The serial number of this specific specimen is â??99 Yâ?�, and would rate at 90%+ overall including one matched magazine (marked â??2â?�). Overall wear is confined to the high spots from holster carry without any pitting or rust noted.

I will also note that this specimen also retains its original sear safety. I must admit â?? that the â??sear safetyâ?� has always held a certain fascination for me, as it was mandated for use by the Police forces. However, somewhat mysteriously, and counter-intuitive, Police Officers have a reputation of advanced powers of observation, BUT, by Third Reich Government mandate, a Police Officer might disassemble their Luger in a loaded condition â?? completely ignoring the huge extractor marking of â??GELADENâ?� (â??LOADEDâ?�) sticking up off the front toggle, or even NOT check the chamber before disassembly.

Left Side view:
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Right Side view:
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Eagle L detail on Right side of the cannon. Notice the â??Lâ?� to the right and under the Eagle â?? that is what is referred to as the Eagle L â?? or E/L:
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The Mauser â??Bannerâ?� on the center toggle:
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The Left Side showing the Take down (blue) with the last 2 Military Digits, Sideplate and left cannon:
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With the sideplate removed, you can now see the digit stamps on the trigger:
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The next series of photos document the Sear Safety. For those who do not have a Luger in their collection with one, here is what they include. This picture is from the Left Side, which is how it looks when issued. Note the riveted piece above the sear bar extending onto the top of the side plate:
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With the sideplate removed, you will see the â??pinâ?� contactingâ?� and retaining the sear bar from movement. Since this can not move, it can not release the firing pin:
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