1939 S/42 9mm Luger

wawebb · 06-02-2014, 03:25 PM

My father captured this Luger during WWII and brought it back from northern Italy in 1945. There is some holster wear, but the numbers match and it cycles well. I believe that all parts, including the grips and the holster, are original.

I would appreciate any help in understanding the markings (type of Luger, where made, anything else), whether it would be a mistake to fire it on a range with modern FMJ ammunition, and any thoughts as to its value.

Thanks for any help.

Bill

Norme · 06-02-2014, 03:43 PM

Hi Bill, Welcome to the forum! A 1939 S/42 is one of the less common Third Reich Luger variations, and I for one wouldn't shoot it, particularly with it's personal history. I know the chances of breaking a numbered part are small, but why risk it?
Regards, Norm

spartacus38 · 06-02-2014, 03:43 PM

Very nice.
Gun with one mag worth approx. 1600 to 1800.
More for the extra mag and holster.
Bob

guns3545 · 06-02-2014, 05:10 PM

Bill,

You have a very nice standard issue P.08 made by Mauser in Oberndorf, Germany in the first half of 1939, probably in March. Overall in 1939 approximately 30,600 P.08s with the S/42 manufacturer code and 1939 date stamp on the chamber were made. The stamps on the right side of the receiver are first and second inspection marks and the third is the final acceptance mark.

The serial number of your gun is 7958p. Interestingly, of the 10,000 guns made in the p-block, such as yours, about a third went to the Luftwaffe. Do you know where and how this gun was captured? It is impossible to identify Luftwaffe pistols but when found, they are generally in better condition than those found in Army units.

FYI, in approximately April the manufacturer code was changed from S/42 to 42.

Gun looks pretty good. Too bad, he couldn't have gotten the matching magazines that went with it.

Hope this helps.

John

wawebb · 06-03-2014, 06:50 AM

Thanks for all the help. I asked three questions and got answers to all three right away. Much appreciated.

06-02-2014, 03:25 PM	#1
wawebb New User Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1939 S/42 9mm Luger My father captured this Luger during WWII and brought it back from northern Italy in 1945. There is some holster wear, but the numbers match and it cycles well. I believe that all parts, including the grips and the holster, are original. I would appreciate any help in understanding the markings (type of Luger, where made, anything else), whether it would be a mistake to fire it on a range with modern FMJ ammunition, and any thoughts as to its value. Thanks for any help. Bill Attached Thumbnails

06-02-2014, 03:43 PM	#2
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,603 Times in 933 Posts	Hi Bill, Welcome to the forum! A 1939 S/42 is one of the less common Third Reich Luger variations, and I for one wouldn't shoot it, particularly with it's personal history. I know the chances of breaking a numbered part are small, but why risk it? Regards, Norm

06-02-2014, 03:43 PM	#3
spartacus38 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South Lake Tahoe,CA. Posts: 695 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 56 Posts	Very nice. Gun with one mag worth approx. 1600 to 1800. More for the extra mag and holster. Bob

06-02-2014, 05:10 PM	#4
guns3545 Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 437 Thanks: 655 Thanked 492 Times in 218 Posts	Bill, You have a very nice standard issue P.08 made by Mauser in Oberndorf, Germany in the first half of 1939, probably in March. Overall in 1939 approximately 30,600 P.08s with the S/42 manufacturer code and 1939 date stamp on the chamber were made. The stamps on the right side of the receiver are first and second inspection marks and the third is the final acceptance mark. The serial number of your gun is 7958p. Interestingly, of the 10,000 guns made in the p-block, such as yours, about a third went to the Luftwaffe. Do you know where and how this gun was captured? It is impossible to identify Luftwaffe pistols but when found, they are generally in better condition than those found in Army units. FYI, in approximately April the manufacturer code was changed from S/42 to 42. Gun looks pretty good. Too bad, he couldn't have gotten the matching magazines that went with it. Hope this helps. John

06-03-2014, 06:50 AM	#5
wawebb New User Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for all the help. I asked three questions and got answers to all three right away. Much appreciated.