S/42 questions

Dieter, There were about 11,000 K date lugers make by Mauser in 1934, starting with S/N 1 and running upto about 1000a suffix. Since this was the first year of standard military PO8 production by Mauser, it is also the lowest production. In 1935 (G date) Mauser made about 55K PO8s and starting in 1936 (first year of open dating) production increased to 110K and was maintain at about that level until 1942 when they ceased PO8 production in favor of the P38, which only cost half as much to produce as the PO8, due primarily to less hand fitting of parts on each pistol. Mausers spare part then were given to Kreighoff, who continued to produce the luger until 1945 for the luftwaffe.