41- 42 Luger

[A.Mifsin]

Thank you again for your help. What do you mean by,
" It was not a scheduled production "
Alf

[Silvereagle29]

Alf
My opinion...Mauser was ordered to change their code from 42 to byf during 2-41. In addition the 1941 production was scheduled to display a two digit chamber date. The existing four digit date (1940) was to become a two digit date (41) Re: 1940 - to - 41. Mauser over ran the 1940 frames and 42 toggle codes to compensate for this change. The 41 two digit receivers appeared long before the byf toggle assembles because this was a 1941 dated change requirement. When Mauser became short of 1940 dated receivers in January of 1941 at the approximate serial number of 2400n; they started to use the new two digit receivers with the 41 date along with the existing inventory of 42 toggle assembles. These parts were assembled with the old 1940 frames. Here Gentleman the 41-42 Luger was born!!!. Note, the early 41-42 Lugers will have no P 08 mark on the frame which indicated 1940 frames. The new frames with the required P 08 mark appeared very close to number 3294n, this occurred before 2-41. Consequently you will see 41-42 Lugers with 1940 frames and no P 08 mark between about 2490n and 3294n. Beyond this serial number all 41-42 Lugers will have the required P 08 frame mark. I believe the entire - n - block from this point was consumed with the non-scheduled the 41-42 Luger. I believe at this point you should ask Frank Manders for his opinion on Lugers with byf toggles in the - n -letter suffix. He may have some opinions relating to the 41-42 Luger. I'm certainly open to your comments and opinions.

[A.Mifsin]

Silvereagle29, extremely interesting information. One point I wish to clarify, I was always with the impression that the receiver date was stamped along the proofing stamping. If I understand you correctly you gave the indication that Mauser stamped one year production receivers with the year date before completion of the gun, is that correct?
Alf.