Overstamped Serial Number?

[mrerick]

Here are pictures of the 1936 S/42 Mauser s/n 5308i

First left and right full views:





Next, the drive train:



Here are closeups of the serial number areas. First receiver, then the barrel and then frame:







As you can see, the first digit "5" is deeply stamped over "3".

I've asked for any early documentation that may exist.

Also another oddity... The S/42 stamping is of the type done for 1935 "G" dates. Joop and Don document a very small number of 1936 guns that got these toggles.

Other aspects of the Luger appear correct (to my inexperienced eyes)... The side plate has no stampings on the inside. All numbered parts match properly. The parts finishes don't appear messed with. The grips are un-numbered and fit exactly. The receiver is a very smooth tight fit on the frame - to the extent that I could feel the viscosity of light grease on the rails.

The overstamp 5 isn't precisely lined up with the bottom of the 3. Also the digits across the serial number are all slightly out of horizontal alignment.

I know anything is possible on a "boost", but if this is one, someone went to a lot of trouble to find a frame ending in "308" that is period correct. Receiver DE/63 DE/63 MTP proofed and accepted. The stock lug has the correct Mauser holes.

Here are pictures of the inner frame rear and front:





So, any and all help is appreciated! I'm in learning mode here.

Marc