Info needed on my 1940 42

luger1940 · 03-16-2016, 12:42 PM

Hi everyone, please excuse my lack of knowledge of the P08. I had a toy one as a child and recently came across a nice looking one in my local gun shop ... I purchased it with out any research, as it was a good looking gun, probably too good by all accounts.

I won't get my hands on it until the ticket comes through, but I have a question, in front of the trigger guard where most seem to have a serial number this one has a fancy ''S'' and no number, can anyone direct me to some info regarding this model please. tia

rhuff · 03-16-2016, 02:10 PM

If the front of the frame has NO serial number, it is because someone removed it in all likelihood. There may be many reasons someone would do that, especially if it was stolen. If that is the case, you may well want to return this Luger to the seller and get your money back, as in the USA any gun with removed serial numbers is illegal to own. Are you in the USA? Is there a serial number on the bottom of the barrel near the chamber?

Sergio Natali · 03-16-2016, 02:26 PM

I agree with the above, while you're waiting for your ticket why don't start reading the FAQ in the "General Information" section, it would be a good start, so when you'll have a second look at that Luger I bet you'll notice how your knowledge has widened.

Don't jump on the first Luger that you see.
Good luck.

Kind regards.

DavidJayUden · 03-16-2016, 02:31 PM

Rhuff has it right, AND that number on the frame just in front and above the trigger guard is the one that the BATF expects to be there, as the frame is what they consider to be the "gun" part.
There may be additional numbers on the left side of the chamber or bottom of the barrel.
Examine closely for file or grind marks, and if you see them suggesting that numbers have been altered, run! If for no other reason than the value just dropped to the $500 range.
dju

luger1940 · 03-16-2016, 02:58 PM

Looks like I may have purchased a problem gun then!

I've looked at several guns over a few years and this was the first one that was in a decent enough condition to make a nice shooter for me.

I'm in the UK, there are matching numbers on the l/s, but non on the barrel or trigger guard.

Not such a good start, I'll keep you posted and perhaps get some pics.

Thanks for the help.

mrerick · 03-16-2016, 03:13 PM

In the US, the legally recognized serial number for a Mauser made Luger would be on the frame, above the Trigger Guard.

The other numbers would not be the legally recognized ones.

If the serial number and suffix isn't there, it's been removed and something else added in it's place. It's not authentic, and not collectible by US standards. After removal, it would have been refinished, so you now have an example of a refinished gun to inspect.

Things could vary in the UK, including the legality of the gun (which I expect is also deactivated).

Marc

luger1940 · 03-16-2016, 03:26 PM

Does the scroll effect ''S'' on the trigger guard have any meaning?

DonVoigt · 03-16-2016, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luger1940

Does the scroll effect ''S'' on the trigger guard have any meaning?

Not likely, unless it is a previous owners initial.

Forgot about the K date "S", sorry.

tharpo · 03-16-2016, 07:18 PM

K date (1934) Lugers had an S on the front of the trigger guard.

Sergio Natali · 03-17-2016, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luger1940

Looks like I may have purchased a problem gun then!

I've looked at several guns over a few years and this was the first one that was in a decent enough condition to make a nice shooter for me.

I'm in the UK, there are matching numbers on the l/s, but non on the barrel or trigger guard.

Not such a good start, I'll keep you posted and perhaps get some pics.

Thanks for the help.

You live in the UK and did you manage to find a gun to shoot?

luger1940 · 03-18-2016, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tharpo

K date (1934) Lugers had an S on the front of the trigger guard.

If I had to say, I'd say thats it, but from memory its just below where the serial number is ... in the reflective part of your pic. I'll have to wait until I see the gun again. Thanks for taking the trouble to up load the pic.

luger1940 · 03-18-2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luger.parabellum

You live in the UK and did you manage to find a gun to shoot?

Yep

alanint · 03-18-2016, 10:42 AM

What you are probably looking at is the Letter suffix, which seems to have avoided being removed as the serial number has. UK laws may be different, but if you are buying to collect, this is not the pistol. If you are buying because you are one of the lucky few to be able to own a live gun in the UK, then collectability takes a back seat to availability.

DavidJayUden · 03-18-2016, 11:15 AM

Some time I would like to hear how some in the U. K. get to own shooters while others get deactivated former-guns. And I understand even those are now under political pressure. Good luck to you!
dju

alanint · 03-18-2016, 12:39 PM

I have been told that you must belong to an accredited gun or shooting club, where "your" pistol is kept under lock and key. You can only handle and shoot it on the approved premises.

Sergio Natali · 03-18-2016, 02:41 PM

I wonder who cleans it? Somebody of the range? It seems all so ridiculous, let's hope that the European burocrats won't influence also my Country.

Tinplatejeff · 03-18-2016, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luger.parabellum

I wonder who cleans it? Somebody of the range? It seems all so ridiculous, let's hope that the European burocrats won't influence also my Country.

Sergio, so what are firearms ownership laws like in Italy?

luger1940 · 03-19-2016, 02:46 AM

Not all states in the US have the same rules, the same goes for other countries.

03-16-2016, 12:42 PM	#1
luger1940 User Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 7 Thanks: 12 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Info needed on my 1940 42 Hi everyone, please excuse my lack of knowledge of the P08. I had a toy one as a child and recently came across a nice looking one in my local gun shop ... I purchased it with out any research, as it was a good looking gun, probably too good by all accounts. I won't get my hands on it until the ticket comes through, but I have a question, in front of the trigger guard where most seem to have a serial number this one has a fancy ''S'' and no number, can anyone direct me to some info regarding this model please. tia

03-16-2016, 02:26 PM	#3
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	I agree with the above, while you're waiting for your ticket why don't start reading the FAQ in the "General Information" section, it would be a good start, so when you'll have a second look at that Luger I bet you'll notice how your knowledge has widened. Don't jump on the first Luger that you see. Good luck. Kind regards. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

03-16-2016, 03:13 PM	#6
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,372 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	In the US, the legally recognized serial number for a Mauser made Luger would be on the frame, above the Trigger Guard. The other numbers would not be the legally recognized ones. If the serial number and suffix isn't there, it's been removed and something else added in it's place. It's not authentic, and not collectible by US standards. After removal, it would have been refinished, so you now have an example of a refinished gun to inspect. Things could vary in the UK, including the legality of the gun (which I expect is also deactivated). Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-16-2016, 07:18 PM	#9
tharpo Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Coast, USA Posts: 537 Thanks: 116 Thanked 376 Times in 154 Posts	K date (1934) Lugers had an S on the front of the trigger guard. Attached Images

03-18-2016, 02:41 PM	#16
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	I wonder who cleans it? Somebody of the range? It seems all so ridiculous, let's hope that the European burocrats won't influence also my Country. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

03-16-2016, 02:10 PM	#2
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,272 Thanks: 2,692 Thanked 959 Times in 705 Posts	If the front of the frame has NO serial number, it is because someone removed it in all likelihood. There may be many reasons someone would do that, especially if it was stolen. If that is the case, you may well want to return this Luger to the seller and get your money back, as in the USA any gun with removed serial numbers is illegal to own. Are you in the USA? Is there a serial number on the bottom of the barrel near the chamber?

03-16-2016, 02:31 PM	#4
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Rhuff has it right, AND that number on the frame just in front and above the trigger guard is the one that the BATF expects to be there, as the frame is what they consider to be the "gun" part. There may be additional numbers on the left side of the chamber or bottom of the barrel. Examine closely for file or grind marks, and if you see them suggesting that numbers have been altered, run! If for no other reason than the value just dropped to the $500 range. dju

03-16-2016, 02:58 PM	#5
luger1940 User Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 7 Thanks: 12 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Looks like I may have purchased a problem gun then! I've looked at several guns over a few years and this was the first one that was in a decent enough condition to make a nice shooter for me. I'm in the UK, there are matching numbers on the l/s, but non on the barrel or trigger guard. Not such a good start, I'll keep you posted and perhaps get some pics. Thanks for the help.

03-16-2016, 03:26 PM	#7
luger1940 User Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 7 Thanks: 12 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Does the scroll effect ''S'' on the trigger guard have any meaning?

03-18-2016, 10:42 AM	#13
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	What you are probably looking at is the Letter suffix, which seems to have avoided being removed as the serial number has. UK laws may be different, but if you are buying to collect, this is not the pistol. If you are buying because you are one of the lucky few to be able to own a live gun in the UK, then collectability takes a back seat to availability.

03-18-2016, 11:15 AM	#14
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Some time I would like to hear how some in the U. K. get to own shooters while others get deactivated former-guns. And I understand even those are now under political pressure. Good luck to you! dju

03-18-2016, 12:39 PM	#15
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	I have been told that you must belong to an accredited gun or shooting club, where "your" pistol is kept under lock and key. You can only handle and shoot it on the approved premises.

03-19-2016, 02:46 AM	#18
luger1940 User Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 7 Thanks: 12 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Not all states in the US have the same rules, the same goes for other countries.