My byf 42

ezman604 · 11-16-2008, 08:16 PM

I just purchased a Walther P38 for my collection that renewed my interest in my firearms. I brought out my byf 42 P-08 to look it over, take some photos and do more research. I didn't really remember just how clean this gun was until I started snapping the attached photos.

I purchased this gun from a couple of brothers that were selling off their deceased veteran brothers estate. The story told to me was this gun was captured by their brother during the Battle of the Bulge. It was disassembled and stored in a safety deposit box in a bank. The brothers had no interest in weapons and were just interested in liquidating the estate. I was fortune enough to be offered this piece for my collection.
It has not been refinished and I would just guess the original finish to be close to 100%. There is very slight signs of finish wear on the left side high point of the receiver. I'm guessing from the FEW times it was holstered.
It's a byf 42 with all matching serial numbers of 44. I have the holster with breakdown tool and both mags. The holster looks fairly good considering it's age but one belt loop is broken at the top. This MAY be repaired, I'll have to look into that.
Interesting also was that I was also given what I was told was the issue box of ammunition that was captured WITH this gun. It's a box of 16 rounds. Box is dated, it appears, with Mar 1939. Markings on the underside of the barrel is the serial number 44, the numbers 8,82, and on the receiver #44 and a "d" in script. Anybody know what the d represents?
I have searched the internet, this and several other forums for information on this Luger. Since the records for 42's aren't very plentiful, I am posting these photos and the story so you guys can post comments or any information to give me more history on this one. Many thanks!!!!

ezman604 · 11-16-2008, 08:22 PM

Alright, how do I add multiple photos in one post?

ezman604 · 11-16-2008, 08:22 PM

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ezman604 · 11-16-2008, 08:42 PM

#14 and last one...

ezman604 · 11-17-2008, 01:16 AM

Okay, still reading, searching and learning. Lots of good info on this site and some GREAT resources in the membership. Many thanks for that!!!!
I've learned the "d" under the barrel on the frame is the series stamp. Serial number 44 of the series "d" run. The 8,82 on the underside is the gauge markings.
What I will continue to look for is some estimate of the date of manufacture, total number of units in this series and approximate value of the piece and associated items.
Thanks again folks for any information.

Prince50 · 11-17-2008, 01:52 PM

Condition seems fantastic!

What are the magazine bottoms numbered? Matching magazines rocket the value of the pistol upward at a suprising rate. One matching mag is worth many hundreds of dollars more, two is almost unheard of. (I said almost) My knowledge is growing, and others will likely chime in that can give you better info, but the mag numbers are a first step.

Darin

ezman604 · 11-17-2008, 02:38 PM

Thanks for the response Darin. I'll take a closer look this evening but don't recall seeing the serial stamped on the bottom of the mags. They both were with the rig so I just imagine they are the original issue. One has gloss black grip knobs (maybe not the correct name) and the other (that was originally in the extra mag slot) has silver grip knobs. Both are stamped fxo and the eagle 37 proof markings and I think the eagle 135 close to the top of the mag. If mags were in deed serialed to the guns, I'm sure these are the issued ones for this gun. I have no reason to doubt the sellers.

tharpo · 11-17-2008, 03:28 PM

Very nice 42 byf ! The un numbered black plastic bottom magazine is correct for all 1942 byf lugers. The numbering of the aluminum bottoms ended in late 1941.

Frank · 11-17-2008, 03:30 PM

Hello ezman!! REALLY NICE Rig, except for the broken holster strap. Serial Number 44d for a 42 byf was completed about February 1942. Proper magazines for this pistol will be "fxo" type, either aluminum or black plastic bottoms, without any markings on the bottom. I wish it were mine!!

Whoops, I forgot!! All letter series of Military Mauser Lugers had 10,000 pistols. Startind at 1d and finishing at 9999d, in your case.

ezman604 · 11-17-2008, 04:11 PM

MANY thanks for the comments and information. I'm just on the outset of my information gathering and you folks have helped me tremendiously already!!! I'm planning on purchasing some literature to further my knowledge and hopefully help out other members during my quest.
Any ballpark guesses as to value, based on what you have paid, sold or seen items go for? I really need a close value for insurance purposes.
Thanks to all again. GREAT site and I hope to be able to contribute.
David "ezman"

11-16-2008, 08:22 PM	#2
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	Alright, how do I add multiple photos in one post? Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:16 PM	#1
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	My byf 42 I just purchased a Walther P38 for my collection that renewed my interest in my firearms. I brought out my byf 42 P-08 to look it over, take some photos and do more research. I didn't really remember just how clean this gun was until I started snapping the attached photos. I purchased this gun from a couple of brothers that were selling off their deceased veteran brothers estate. The story told to me was this gun was captured by their brother during the Battle of the Bulge. It was disassembled and stored in a safety deposit box in a bank. The brothers had no interest in weapons and were just interested in liquidating the estate. I was fortune enough to be offered this piece for my collection. It has not been refinished and I would just guess the original finish to be close to 100%. There is very slight signs of finish wear on the left side high point of the receiver. I'm guessing from the FEW times it was holstered. It's a byf 42 with all matching serial numbers of 44. I have the holster with breakdown tool and both mags. The holster looks fairly good considering it's age but one belt loop is broken at the top. This MAY be repaired, I'll have to look into that. Interesting also was that I was also given what I was told was the issue box of ammunition that was captured WITH this gun. It's a box of 16 rounds. Box is dated, it appears, with Mar 1939. Markings on the underside of the barrel is the serial number 44, the numbers 8,82, and on the receiver #44 and a "d" in script. Anybody know what the d represents? I have searched the internet, this and several other forums for information on this Luger. Since the records for 42's aren't very plentiful, I am posting these photos and the story so you guys can post comments or any information to give me more history on this one. Many thanks!!!! Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:22 PM	#3
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#3 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:23 PM	#4
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#4 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:23 PM	#5
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#5 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:26 PM	#6
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#6 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:27 PM	#7
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#7 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:31 PM	#8
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#8 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:36 PM	#9
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#9 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:37 PM	#10
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#10 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:37 PM	#11
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#11 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:38 PM	#12
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#12 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:41 PM	#13
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#13 Attached Thumbnails

11-16-2008, 08:42 PM	#14
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	#14 and last one... Attached Thumbnails

11-17-2008, 01:16 AM	#15
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	Okay, still reading, searching and learning. Lots of good info on this site and some GREAT resources in the membership. Many thanks for that!!!! I've learned the "d" under the barrel on the frame is the series stamp. Serial number 44 of the series "d" run. The 8,82 on the underside is the gauge markings. What I will continue to look for is some estimate of the date of manufacture, total number of units in this series and approximate value of the piece and associated items. Thanks again folks for any information.

11-17-2008, 01:52 PM	#16
Prince50 User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Condition seems fantastic! What are the magazine bottoms numbered? Matching magazines rocket the value of the pistol upward at a suprising rate. One matching mag is worth many hundreds of dollars more, two is almost unheard of. (I said almost) My knowledge is growing, and others will likely chime in that can give you better info, but the mag numbers are a first step. Darin

11-17-2008, 02:38 PM	#17
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	Thanks for the response Darin. I'll take a closer look this evening but don't recall seeing the serial stamped on the bottom of the mags. They both were with the rig so I just imagine they are the original issue. One has gloss black grip knobs (maybe not the correct name) and the other (that was originally in the extra mag slot) has silver grip knobs. Both are stamped fxo and the eagle 37 proof markings and I think the eagle 135 close to the top of the mag. If mags were in deed serialed to the guns, I'm sure these are the issued ones for this gun. I have no reason to doubt the sellers.

11-17-2008, 03:28 PM	#18
tharpo Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Coast, USA Posts: 543 Thanks: 116 Thanked 382 Times in 157 Posts	Very nice 42 byf ! The un numbered black plastic bottom magazine is correct for all 1942 byf lugers. The numbering of the aluminum bottoms ended in late 1941.

11-17-2008, 03:30 PM	#19
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	Hello ezman!! REALLY NICE Rig, except for the broken holster strap. Serial Number 44d for a 42 byf was completed about February 1942. Proper magazines for this pistol will be "fxo" type, either aluminum or black plastic bottoms, without any markings on the bottom. I wish it were mine!! Whoops, I forgot!! All letter series of Military Mauser Lugers had 10,000 pistols. Startind at 1d and finishing at 9999d, in your case.

11-17-2008, 04:11 PM	#20
ezman604 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SE USA Posts: 37 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	MANY thanks for the comments and information. I'm just on the outset of my information gathering and you folks have helped me tremendiously already!!! I'm planning on purchasing some literature to further my knowledge and hopefully help out other members during my quest. Any ballpark guesses as to value, based on what you have paid, sold or seen items go for? I really need a close value for insurance purposes. Thanks to all again. GREAT site and I hope to be able to contribute. David "ezman"