s/42 1937 Question

ugafx4 · 03-19-2014, 05:27 PM

Ran into a pistol at a local gun shop. Would like an opinion on it.

I find the barrel rather interesting and the plastic bottom magazine that has been stamped with the serial really interesting. When I was looking at it in person both of these things jumped out at me. Hopefully someone can clear up what is going on here.

The magazine did have an fxo stamp.

I can provide more pictures if necessary.

Thanks!

318is_Parabellum · 03-19-2014, 07:24 PM

To my knowledge (far from comprehensive, mind you!), plastic bottom fxo mags were never numbered to match...

"s 42" stamp on barrel indicates that it is an armorer's spare part, manufactured by Mauser during the late 30's. Are there any other unusual stamps on the gun, especially near the firing proofs?

Post some more pics!

George Anderson · 03-19-2014, 08:14 PM

Is the serial number on the left side of the receiver followed by a "KU"?

mrerick · 03-19-2014, 08:39 PM

Hi Ty, and welcome to the forum...

Actually, some FXO plastic bottom magazines were numbered.

As George mentions above, these were Lugers not manufactured by Mauser, but made out of Mauser parts. It's thought that they were made at a unit armory level or higher out of parts that were considered excess after the adoption of the P.38.

They will have a distinctive mark on the left side of the receiver. This mark helped identify them as not Mauser's responsibility should they be found defective.

These, and their magazines, are rather rare.

If you don't want this one, let me know where it's being sold! I'd like to find one of these...

Marc

ugafx4 · 03-19-2014, 09:07 PM

Unfortunately there is no KU beside the s/n. Could there be any markings hidden?

Here are a few more pictures. If the price is right I may pick it up. I am interested in knowing the value of it after you see these new pictures.

ugafx4 · 03-19-2014, 09:11 PM

Also, nothing weird with the firing proofs. Older style WaA 63.

mrerick · 03-19-2014, 09:24 PM

So... I am actually looking for a Ku marked Luger...

The left grip has the million dollar chip up near the safety lever. That can be repaired.

Looks like the locking lever spring may be broken or missing.

It's likely that the barrel replacement is period, but that would probably make it less valuable than an all matching gun. But, certainly more than a mismatch shooter.

The magazine is properly marked for a Ku gun, and it's matching to this one. That could be more evidence that the Ku guns were made at an armory or higher level repair center.

Finish looks decent. What are they asking for it?

Marc

318is_Parabellum · 03-19-2014, 10:48 PM

Pretty nice looking '37 S/42. $1100 or so due to the "million dollar chip". My guess, based on what one like that would go for around here...

I say "buy" if you can get it for a decent price. Would make for a nice shooter! I'm pretty sure a '37 S/42 takes a blued steel mag with an Al bottom, IIRC.

Interesting to learn though that a KU pistol would be correct with a numbered plastic bottom magazine, thank you!

03-19-2014, 05:27 PM	#1
ugafx4 User Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 36 Thanks: 5 Thanked 14 Times in 7 Posts	s/42 1937 Question Ran into a pistol at a local gun shop. Would like an opinion on it. I find the barrel rather interesting and the plastic bottom magazine that has been stamped with the serial really interesting. When I was looking at it in person both of these things jumped out at me. Hopefully someone can clear up what is going on here. The magazine did have an fxo stamp. I can provide more pictures if necessary. Thanks! Attached Thumbnails

03-19-2014, 08:39 PM	#4
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Hi Ty, and welcome to the forum... Actually, some FXO plastic bottom magazines were numbered. As George mentions above, these were Lugers not manufactured by Mauser, but made out of Mauser parts. It's thought that they were made at a unit armory level or higher out of parts that were considered excess after the adoption of the P.38. They will have a distinctive mark on the left side of the receiver. This mark helped identify them as not Mauser's responsibility should they be found defective. These, and their magazines, are rather rare. If you don't want this one, let me know where it's being sold! I'd like to find one of these... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-19-2014, 09:07 PM	#5
ugafx4 User Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 36 Thanks: 5 Thanked 14 Times in 7 Posts	Unfortunately there is no KU beside the s/n. Could there be any markings hidden? Here are a few more pictures. If the price is right I may pick it up. I am interested in knowing the value of it after you see these new pictures. Attached Thumbnails Attached Images

03-19-2014, 09:24 PM	#7
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	So... I am actually looking for a Ku marked Luger... The left grip has the million dollar chip up near the safety lever. That can be repaired. Looks like the locking lever spring may be broken or missing. It's likely that the barrel replacement is period, but that would probably make it less valuable than an all matching gun. But, certainly more than a mismatch shooter. The magazine is properly marked for a Ku gun, and it's matching to this one. That could be more evidence that the Ku guns were made at an armory or higher level repair center. Finish looks decent. What are they asking for it? Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-19-2014, 07:24 PM	#2
318is_Parabellum User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 130 Thanks: 80 Thanked 75 Times in 31 Posts	To my knowledge (far from comprehensive, mind you!), plastic bottom fxo mags were never numbered to match... "s 42" stamp on barrel indicates that it is an armorer's spare part, manufactured by Mauser during the late 30's. Are there any other unusual stamps on the gun, especially near the firing proofs? Post some more pics!

03-19-2014, 08:14 PM	#3
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,528 Times in 787 Posts	Is the serial number on the left side of the receiver followed by a "KU"?

03-19-2014, 09:11 PM	#6
ugafx4 User Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 36 Thanks: 5 Thanked 14 Times in 7 Posts	Also, nothing weird with the firing proofs. Older style WaA 63.

03-19-2014, 10:48 PM	#8
318is_Parabellum User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 130 Thanks: 80 Thanked 75 Times in 31 Posts	Pretty nice looking '37 S/42. $1100 or so due to the "million dollar chip". My guess, based on what one like that would go for around here... I say "buy" if you can get it for a decent price. Would make for a nice shooter! I'm pretty sure a '37 S/42 takes a blued steel mag with an Al bottom, IIRC. Interesting to learn though that a KU pistol would be correct with a numbered plastic bottom magazine, thank you!