Passing on info to the younguns.

[mrerick]

I will try to answer your questions below:

1. 1938 – year manufactured?

yes

2. S/42 – Mauser manufacture Concealment Code? (What is a concealment code)

Military security to hide manufacturers from the enemy

3. 5189 – Serial #?

Part of it. The suffix "b" is part of it too.

4. b - ? (according to your listing it is probably an L and not a B

I'm thinking "b", but a better picture sharp and closeup would help http://lugerforum.com/lugermarkings/suffix2.html

5. SE83 – SE63 – manufacturing inspection stamps? (What is the stamp next to these and on the barrel)

Government military inspection acceptance stamps followed by a proof stamp.

6. 5189 and 89 on various pieces – pieces are original manufacture?

Made and shipped with the luger. All matching is collectible. Also look for a "52" or "51" inside the trigger plate.

7. Number under 5189 on barrel -? (8 82)

The 9mm bore measurement after gauging during the manufacture process (see the FAQ)

8. All matching – can you give me a listing of ALL PARTS that are numbered?

(See the FAQ)

9. I have three magazines. Two with wooden bases one of which has the word GERMANY on the bottom and a 6 at the base of one side. And one magazine with an aluminum base with characters on it.

OK... The only one that might be contemporary with the gun is the aluminum based one.


10. I noticed that on the butt of the pistol there is a small loop of metal. Was this for a lanyard in case of dropping the weapon would not be lost? I remember when I was on ships at sea that when we did familiarization firing with our pistols there was a lanyard we would put over our neck in case a person lost their grip on the weapon. Is this a similar safety feature?

Lanyard loop. Generally not used. Early pistols had a short loop of leather to help facilitate removal from a holster.

11. What was the loading tool used for?

Loading the magazine and removing the firing pin guide from the breech block (a little screwdriver)


Marc