1940 serial # question

Dave Sanders · 05-04-2004, 08:18 PM

I just picked up a beautiful 1940/42 luger out of the woodwork. Still's book says 1940 lugers started with the serial number 7700 Z. My luger is serial #7607 Z. It also has the matching mag and all numbers match. Can anyone clear this up or tell me if I got rooked or what. Thanks.
Dave Sanders

Frank · 05-04-2004, 09:18 PM

Hi Dave, Jan Still's Book is just approximate for the various serial number ranges. I'm reasonably sure your Luger is legit, if it's all matching with a matching magazine. Breathe easy!!

Strider · 05-05-2004, 09:30 AM

Dave, I think you are alright. Like Frank said these numbers are approximate and should cause you no worries. I have a 1940 code 42 that is numbered little over a thousand away from your number. If you can, please post pictures of it. I sure would like to take a look at it. Also, try to get a close up of the Z for Ed. He has been putting together a photo essay of the different examples of the suffix letters for the forum. I think you did well.
Sid.

Thor · 05-05-2004, 09:38 AM

Strider wait until you see Strider (sounds like a riddle huh)

John Sabato · 05-05-2004, 09:50 AM

I would post the photos here when you get them, and then send Jan Still an email and ask him to stop by and look at them. He will want to know about movement in the serial number range so he can correct his records.

Dave Sanders · 05-05-2004, 10:16 AM

Thanks for the good words. I'll get some photos and put them up soon.
Dave

Strider · 05-05-2004, 12:23 PM

Thor, looking forward to seeing what you have done. Thanks for sneak peak. I appreciate it.

Ed, sent an email to you.

Dave, looking forward to the photos.

Sid.

Strider · 05-05-2004, 02:39 PM

Dave, out of curiosity, are there any letters and numbers located above the stock lug? Thanks.
Sid.

Dave Sanders · 05-09-2004, 02:39 AM

Here is a picture of the Z and serial number. There are no numbers above the lug.
Dave
http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/mvc001s_copy3.jpg

Dave Sanders · 05-09-2004, 02:41 AM

I guess I'm not sure how to put pictures on my email I guess I uploaded to the site and it gave a link. How does one add pictures to the post?
Dave

John Sabato · 05-09-2004, 10:58 AM

Dave instead of using the add reply button, use the post reply button that is below it. It will give you options for adding graphics just by clicking a button and inserting the URL into the popup box....

Strider · 05-10-2004, 02:34 PM

Dave, thanks for posting the photo. Great job on the close up. I am sure could use this as an example for his suffix photo essay. Very nice example of a Z. Thanks.
Sid.

Dave Sanders · 05-12-2004, 12:22 AM

Your welcome, but thanks to all who helped me with my question. If you need a better shot, I can do it. I did that one in a bit of a hurry.
Dave

lugercollector · 05-13-2004, 09:12 AM

I recently saw a 1940-42 in the 5900z range that was legit......I am sure yours is okay!!

Steinar · 05-13-2004, 10:31 AM

Hi everyone!
First time I'm posting anything here.
I got a 1940 luger with the markings byf, and the serialnumber is 7844 m, can anyone explain whay there is a "m" under the number and the "byf"?

btw.. on the left side of the chamber, there there is another number (3661), and on top I find (1940). Is 3661 a serialnumber? If so.. is mine from two different lugers?

Great page!

Aaron · 05-13-2004, 11:24 AM

Yes, your Luger is composed of a mixture of parts from two or more pistols. The byf marking is only found on pistols dated 41 or 42. Yours has a 1940 date and is a year too early to have the byf marking.

Doubs · 05-13-2004, 01:15 PM

Lugers were produced in "blocks" of 10,000. The first block was numbered 1 - 10000. The second block was numbered 1a - 10000a; 3rd block 1b - 10000b and so forth. Your Luger falls in the "m" block of production. Imperial Lugers repeated the process EACH YEAR, beginning with the 1 - 10000 sequence, followed by the "a", "b" etc. Mauser, OTOH, continued production in sequence continually without regard for year changes.

"byf" was the production code for the Mauser company and identified the manufacturer as Mauser.

Steinar · 05-14-2004, 03:03 AM

Thanks for the information!
Too bad I didn't hear with you guys before I bought it.. I quess beeing put together by two guns lowers the value. But I realy looking forward to trying it some day

05-04-2004, 08:18 PM	#1
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 273 Thanks: 19 Thanked 39 Times in 20 Posts	1940 serial # question I just picked up a beautiful 1940/42 luger out of the woodwork. Still's book says 1940 lugers started with the serial number 7700 Z. My luger is serial #7607 Z. It also has the matching mag and all numbers match. Can anyone clear this up or tell me if I got rooked or what. Thanks. Dave Sanders

05-05-2004, 09:30 AM	#3
Strider User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 256 Thanks: 26 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dave, I think you are alright. Like Frank said these numbers are approximate and should cause you no worries. I have a 1940 code 42 that is numbered little over a thousand away from your number. If you can, please post pictures of it. I sure would like to take a look at it. Also, try to get a close up of the Z for Ed. He has been putting together a photo essay of the different examples of the suffix letters for the forum. I think you did well. Sid. __________________ Sid. Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit. ~German Proverb If it is made before 1930 ..........It is a prototype.

05-05-2004, 09:38 AM	#4
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Strider wait until you see Strider (sounds like a riddle huh) __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

05-05-2004, 09:50 AM	#5
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,152 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	I would post the photos here when you get them, and then send Jan Still an email and ask him to stop by and look at them. He will want to know about movement in the serial number range so he can correct his records. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

05-05-2004, 02:39 PM	#8
Strider User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 256 Thanks: 26 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dave, out of curiosity, are there any letters and numbers located above the stock lug? Thanks. Sid. __________________ Sid. Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit. ~German Proverb If it is made before 1930 ..........It is a prototype.

05-04-2004, 09:18 PM	#2
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Hi Dave, Jan Still's Book is just approximate for the various serial number ranges. I'm reasonably sure your Luger is legit, if it's all matching with a matching magazine. Breathe easy!!

05-05-2004, 10:16 AM	#6
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 273 Thanks: 19 Thanked 39 Times in 20 Posts	Thanks for the good words. I'll get some photos and put them up soon. Dave

05-05-2004, 12:23 PM	#7
Strider User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 256 Thanks: 26 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thor, looking forward to seeing what you have done. Thanks for sneak peak. I appreciate it. Ed, sent an email to you. Dave, looking forward to the photos. Sid. __________________ Sid. Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit. ~German Proverb If it is made before 1930 ..........It is a prototype.

05-09-2004, 02:39 AM	#9
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 273 Thanks: 19 Thanked 39 Times in 20 Posts	Here is a picture of the Z and serial number. There are no numbers above the lug. Dave http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/mvc001s_copy3.jpg

05-09-2004, 02:41 AM	#10
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 273 Thanks: 19 Thanked 39 Times in 20 Posts	I guess I'm not sure how to put pictures on my email I guess I uploaded to the site and it gave a link. How does one add pictures to the post? Dave

05-09-2004, 10:58 AM	#11
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,152 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Dave instead of using the add reply button, use the post reply button that is below it. It will give you options for adding graphics just by clicking a button and inserting the URL into the popup box.... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

05-10-2004, 02:34 PM	#12
Strider User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 256 Thanks: 26 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dave, thanks for posting the photo. Great job on the close up. I am sure could use this as an example for his suffix photo essay. Very nice example of a Z. Thanks. Sid. __________________ Sid. Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit. ~German Proverb If it is made before 1930 ..........It is a prototype.

05-12-2004, 12:22 AM	#13
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 273 Thanks: 19 Thanked 39 Times in 20 Posts	Your welcome, but thanks to all who helped me with my question. If you need a better shot, I can do it. I did that one in a bit of a hurry. Dave

05-13-2004, 09:12 AM	#14
lugercollector Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: canada Posts: 322 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 15 Posts	I recently saw a 1940-42 in the 5900z range that was legit......I am sure yours is okay!!

05-13-2004, 10:31 AM	#15
Steinar User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,538 Thanks: 18 Thanked 36 Times in 21 Posts	Hi everyone! First time I'm posting anything here. I got a 1940 luger with the markings byf, and the serialnumber is 7844 m, can anyone explain whay there is a "m" under the number and the "byf"? btw.. on the left side of the chamber, there there is another number (3661), and on top I find (1940). Is 3661 a serialnumber? If so.. is mine from two different lugers? Great page! __________________ Previously known as Morgan Kane

05-13-2004, 11:24 AM	#16
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Yes, your Luger is composed of a mixture of parts from two or more pistols. The byf marking is only found on pistols dated 41 or 42. Yours has a 1940 date and is a year too early to have the byf marking.

05-13-2004, 01:15 PM	#17
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,677 Thanks: 777 Thanked 1,628 Times in 532 Posts	Lugers were produced in "blocks" of 10,000. The first block was numbered 1 - 10000. The second block was numbered 1a - 10000a; 3rd block 1b - 10000b and so forth. Your Luger falls in the "m" block of production. Imperial Lugers repeated the process EACH YEAR, beginning with the 1 - 10000 sequence, followed by the "a", "b" etc. Mauser, OTOH, continued production in sequence continually without regard for year changes. "byf" was the production code for the Mauser company and identified the manufacturer as Mauser.

05-14-2004, 03:03 AM	#18
Steinar User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,538 Thanks: 18 Thanked 36 Times in 21 Posts	Thanks for the information! Too bad I didn't hear with you guys before I bought it.. I quess beeing put together by two guns lowers the value. But I realy looking forward to trying it some day __________________ Previously known as Morgan Kane