Are these original byf bakelite grips?

[Quentin]

Originally posted by HerbZ
I think you've answered both my questions. If what you mean is that these plastic grips were used as original grips on both bfy 41 & 42 pistols when first issued. I was concerned that finding such grips on a byf 42 could only mean that they were not what was originally issued and would've been a replacement.

Uh, it's my understanding that the B- W- term was the marketing ploy of one individual but that it has become the generally accepted nomenclature for these pistols ever since.

HerbZ, yes the black (and brown) plastic grips were original issue for many but not all '41 and '42 byfs. Some of course came with wood grips.

And I believe you're correct about that term, too. Funny how something so trivial adds to the mystique and value of these Lugers! Also the plastic grips, though they were produced in hundreds of thousands, definitely are rare today. Probably a large part of that is so many people hated them and replaced them with wood to make their Luger "look like a Luger". And of course the material is somewhat fragile so many broken ones were replaced. Anyway, for many reasons bakelite grips are desireable now. I think more highly of mine than I did when I bought the pistol in 1995. And I remember the price got knocked down a bit because the seller knew I was disappointed in the grips.