P08 grip tool

Vlim · 07-19-2012, 04:40 AM

An interesting tool turned up last week. It fits the magazine well of a P08 exactly, and it is marked:

'Pist. 08 Griffstück 29138'

The numbering appears to be similar to that used on other P08 related tools and gauges. Judging from the shape and size I think it is a relatively early piece, dating from the late 1920s, early 1930s.

It was probably used to check and fix issues with the P08 grip, as it can be used to force the grip back into shape.

sheepherder · 07-19-2012, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlim

It was probably used to check and fix issues with the P08 grip, as it can be used to force the grip back into shape.

...???...The steel part of the frame 'grip'??? Or the checkered wood 'grip' panels???

I would think the steel frame...Although I don't quite see how...Unless maybe you inserted this and then beat on the frame with a hammer...

Hardened???

Vlim · 07-19-2012, 06:52 AM

The frame itself, of course

It is hardened steel and shows some signs of serious pounding here and there. It fits snugly into the magazine well area, so it can be used to 'fix' frame issues. Similar to the magazine straightening tool, which is inserted into the magazine tube.

JTD · 07-19-2012, 07:11 AM

Gerben, could it be a support used when applying unit marks on grip strap? It would prevent kinking it in with the stamps. John

Vlim · 07-19-2012, 07:21 AM

Good thought, it also provides good support for someone who is manipulating the frame in one way or another. The tool probably has / had multiple functions.

DavidJayUden · 07-19-2012, 08:00 AM

I'd agree that it is simply a tool to hold the frame in order to be worked on. Similar to the fake stock used. Stick it into the mag well and then tighten the lower end into your vice. Can't be many of these around.
Very nice!

Lugerdoc · 07-19-2012, 08:56 AM

V, Have you tried it inside of a mag? Looks to me to be a mag straightening mandrel. TH

Vlim · 07-19-2012, 09:47 AM

Hi Tom,

It will not fit a magazine, dimensionally it is the same size as a magazine (outside), and it fits into the frame without any space left.

Ron Wood · 07-19-2012, 10:41 AM

Gerben,
That is a neat find. I would tend to go along with JTD's observation. I have often wondered how unit markings were applied wiithout distorting the grip. It doesn't take much of a dent to make insertion of the magazine difficult. A tool like this would be valuable to unit armorers. The same function could be performed with the right size round rod but a tool like this would be much more handy.
I have no doubt that it is also quite useful for repairing a bent frame.

Ron Smith · 07-19-2012, 10:58 AM

The proper term would be "Mandrel".

Vlim · 07-19-2012, 11:08 AM

That'll work

Ben M. · 07-19-2012, 11:10 AM

bottom end could be used as a shoe horn...

but more seriously, maybe a way to hold the frame on a workbench vice since stock lugs were not available for similar use on many guns before the lug became commonplace.

lugerholsterrepair · 07-19-2012, 11:55 AM

Gerben, Fantastic find! First one I have ever seen!

Vlim · 07-19-2012, 01:34 PM

It has a couple of additional features. In the top of the mandrel are 3 holes. The two outside ones are threaded, the third runs through the hole that can be seen at the top.

It suggest that there was a top piece which could be screwed onto the mandrel after it was inserted in the frame, probably to lock it in place.

I made a little wooden reproduction piece using 2 screws with identical threading, just to see how it would work. Even with this small wooden retainer, the frame and mandrel are tightly locked together.

The visible hole at the top side lines up with the magazine button, I think it can be used, with another additional part, to simulate the activation of the holdopen as well. I tested it with a magazine button sized screw head stuck in the side, and indeed, it activated the holdopen.

rhuff · 07-19-2012, 04:40 PM

Thank you for showing this most interesting tool. A bit of history there. There appears to be no end to what can be learned on this forum.

Arizona Slim · 07-19-2012, 04:44 PM

That certainly is a very unusual and interesting tool you have there Vlim, I'm sure a welcome addition to your collection. I wonder if Mauro Baudino might have an insight as to it's exact purpose, might be worth the time to contact him.
Lon

Patronen · 07-19-2012, 06:06 PM

Interesting tool!

I wonder if there would be a market for repro's?

JTD · 07-19-2012, 09:15 PM

I dont know about repro, but I wouldnt mind owning that one. Neat item, thanks for sharing. John

CJS57 · 07-19-2012, 10:38 PM

I believe it is a go/no go gauge for use by the inspector or machinist at the final broaching operation of the magazine well! I cannot believe that German designers or machinists would make a tool with a clear "handle" shape on it, to put in a vice! No, it is gauge used in the production operation, and it was made to be hand held.

G.T. · 07-19-2012, 11:19 PM

Hi Gerben, I would really be interested in the dimensions, front to back, front radiu, width, angle on top... etc.... Oh please, oh please...

... Best to you, til...lat'r....GT...

07-19-2012, 04:40 AM	#1
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	P08 grip tool An interesting tool turned up last week. It fits the magazine well of a P08 exactly, and it is marked: 'Pist. 08 Griffstück 29138' The numbering appears to be similar to that used on other P08 related tools and gauges. Judging from the shape and size I think it is a relatively early piece, dating from the late 1920s, early 1930s. It was probably used to check and fix issues with the P08 grip, as it can be used to force the grip back into shape. Attached Thumbnails

07-19-2012, 08:56 AM	#7
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	V, Have you tried it inside of a mag? Looks to me to be a mag straightening mandrel. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

07-19-2012, 09:47 AM	#8
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi Tom, It will not fit a magazine, dimensionally it is the same size as a magazine (outside), and it fits into the frame without any space left. Attached Thumbnails

07-19-2012, 10:41 AM	#9
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,016 Thanks: 1,089 Thanked 5,162 Times in 1,699 Posts	Gerben, That is a neat find. I would tend to go along with JTD's observation. I have often wondered how unit markings were applied wiithout distorting the grip. It doesn't take much of a dent to make insertion of the magazine difficult. A tool like this would be valuable to unit armorers. The same function could be performed with the right size round rod but a tool like this would be much more handy. I have no doubt that it is also quite useful for repairing a bent frame. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

07-19-2012, 10:58 AM	#10
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	The proper term would be "Mandrel". __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

07-19-2012, 06:52 AM	#3
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	The frame itself, of course It is hardened steel and shows some signs of serious pounding here and there. It fits snugly into the magazine well area, so it can be used to 'fix' frame issues. Similar to the magazine straightening tool, which is inserted into the magazine tube.

07-19-2012, 07:11 AM	#4
JTD User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 425 Thanks: 217 Thanked 408 Times in 149 Posts	Gerben, could it be a support used when applying unit marks on grip strap? It would prevent kinking it in with the stamps. John

07-19-2012, 07:21 AM	#5
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	Good thought, it also provides good support for someone who is manipulating the frame in one way or another. The tool probably has / had multiple functions.

07-19-2012, 08:00 AM	#6
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	I'd agree that it is simply a tool to hold the frame in order to be worked on. Similar to the fake stock used. Stick it into the mag well and then tighten the lower end into your vice. Can't be many of these around. Very nice!

07-19-2012, 11:08 AM	#11
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	That'll work

07-19-2012, 11:10 AM	#12
Ben M. User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Retired to Naples, FL. Posts: 485 Thanks: 85 Thanked 121 Times in 81 Posts	bottom end could be used as a shoe horn... but more seriously, maybe a way to hold the frame on a workbench vice since stock lugs were not available for similar use on many guns before the lug became commonplace.

07-19-2012, 11:55 AM	#13
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,771 Thanks: 4,918 Thanked 3,123 Times in 1,434 Posts	Gerben, Fantastic find! First one I have ever seen! __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

07-19-2012, 01:34 PM	#14
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	It has a couple of additional features. In the top of the mandrel are 3 holes. The two outside ones are threaded, the third runs through the hole that can be seen at the top. It suggest that there was a top piece which could be screwed onto the mandrel after it was inserted in the frame, probably to lock it in place. I made a little wooden reproduction piece using 2 screws with identical threading, just to see how it would work. Even with this small wooden retainer, the frame and mandrel are tightly locked together. The visible hole at the top side lines up with the magazine button, I think it can be used, with another additional part, to simulate the activation of the holdopen as well. I tested it with a magazine button sized screw head stuck in the side, and indeed, it activated the holdopen. Attached Thumbnails

07-19-2012, 04:40 PM	#15
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,288 Thanks: 2,704 Thanked 971 Times in 716 Posts	Thank you for showing this most interesting tool. A bit of history there. There appears to be no end to what can be learned on this forum.

07-19-2012, 04:44 PM	#16
Arizona Slim Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 706 Thanks: 1,026 Thanked 409 Times in 225 Posts	That certainly is a very unusual and interesting tool you have there Vlim, I'm sure a welcome addition to your collection. I wonder if Mauro Baudino might have an insight as to it's exact purpose, might be worth the time to contact him. Lon

07-19-2012, 06:06 PM	#17
Patronen User Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 312 Thanks: 335 Thanked 93 Times in 70 Posts	Interesting tool! I wonder if there would be a market for repro's? __________________ Dave

07-19-2012, 09:15 PM	#18
JTD User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 425 Thanks: 217 Thanked 408 Times in 149 Posts	I dont know about repro, but I wouldnt mind owning that one. Neat item, thanks for sharing. John

07-19-2012, 10:38 PM	#19
CJS57 User Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 224 Thanks: 0 Thanked 81 Times in 41 Posts	I believe it is a go/no go gauge for use by the inspector or machinist at the final broaching operation of the magazine well! I cannot believe that German designers or machinists would make a tool with a clear "handle" shape on it, to put in a vice! No, it is gauge used in the production operation, and it was made to be hand held.

07-19-2012, 11:19 PM	#20
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,503 Thanks: 1,318 Thanked 3,640 Times in 1,002 Posts	neat, neat, neat!!! Hi Gerben, I would really be interested in the dimensions, front to back, front radiu, width, angle on top... etc.... Oh please, oh please...... Best to you, til...lat'r....GT...