1940 S/42, need information please!

avc.4x4 · 10-30-2013, 08:29 PM

Hello,

I'm new to these forums, but have been an on/off collector of guns for many years. My knowledge is limited to various Winchesters and Colts; Lugers are not my expertise. I posted this on another gun board a couple of years ago, but didn't quite get the information I was looking for. I am hoping someone here, who knows these things backwards and forwards, could tell me more about this specific Luger.

So here is what I *think* I have:

S/42 Luger (possibly refinished)

Numbers matching, including magazine with code 154 proof.

S/N: 3312 d

Receiver date: 1940

(2) Code 655 WaffenAmpts and 1 other unknown marking/proof next to them.

So I guess I'd like some clarification on this gun. The extent of my research shows that S/42 variations were only used until 1939, yet I have a 1940 receiver.

Is my gun actually refinished? Certain parts look to have been the strawed finish, but other parts look to be more blue. I have read about the "red-ish" color found on some models, could my gun have this distinction, or would it just be lack of original finish/patina?
What type of value would you place on this specific Luger? I acquired this gun in a trade and have a number in mind what the other gun was worth.

Any input is appreciated, more pictures can also be taken,
Thanks!

alanint · 10-30-2013, 09:42 PM

Welcome to the forum!

You overdid the flash with your photos. I recommend that you read the photo tips here for best results on photographing your pistol. It looks like a refinished gun from the soft edges and buffed thin proofs, but better photos would help in giving you better advice.

tharpo · 10-30-2013, 10:07 PM

Welcome Al,
You are correct with the info that the S/42 code ended in 1939 so the receiver and toggle group are not from the same gun. 1940 lugers did not have the strawed small parts so yours have been either restrawed or are from different guns. The magazine is from a G date (1935) gun. I cannot make out the suffix on the front of the gun but it does not appear to be a "d" like the mag.
I would consider the value of the gun in the shooter range $700-900.

Tom

wlyon · 10-31-2013, 12:13 AM

Agree with all the above. The mag with a 2 was probably the second mag for a police luger Should make a fine shooter. $ 700- $900. Bill

10-31-2013, 12:13 AM	#4
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,673 Thanks: 3,244 Thanked 2,661 Times in 988 Posts	Agree with all the above. The mag with a 2 was probably the second mag for a police luger Should make a fine shooter. $ 700- $900. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

10-30-2013, 09:42 PM	#2
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,917 Times in 1,193 Posts	Welcome to the forum! You overdid the flash with your photos. I recommend that you read the photo tips here for best results on photographing your pistol. It looks like a refinished gun from the soft edges and buffed thin proofs, but better photos would help in giving you better advice.

10-30-2013, 10:07 PM	#3
tharpo Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Coast, USA Posts: 544 Thanks: 118 Thanked 383 Times in 158 Posts	Welcome Al, You are correct with the info that the S/42 code ended in 1939 so the receiver and toggle group are not from the same gun. 1940 lugers did not have the strawed small parts so yours have been either restrawed or are from different guns. The magazine is from a G date (1935) gun. I cannot make out the suffix on the front of the gun but it does not appear to be a "d" like the mag. I would consider the value of the gun in the shooter range $700-900. Tom