my first Luger

GKITCH · 08-23-2016, 01:03 PM

I just took the plunge and bought a Mauser-made 41 Luger, complete with holster and one magazine. The finish is excellent and the markings crisp and clear, thus pushing me over the ledge to shell out some cash.
I am more of a S&W collector so I know the power of detail and hoping I got this right! Pretty much a guess on my part.

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Arizona Slim · 08-23-2016, 01:12 PM

Congratulations on your first Luger GKITCH and welcome to the forum. Great looking pistol. If you have the time please post more photos of your new acquisition so the members can offer their insight on your Luger.

Lon

John Sabato · 08-23-2016, 01:15 PM

Congrats. Looks like a nice honest gun, but we need more pics to give you any idea of what you have. Top, both sides, and all markings. Recommend you take the photos outside on an overcast day and make sure they are in sharp focus before posting them.

DonVoigt · 08-23-2016, 01:25 PM

Gkitch,
Welcome and congrats on your first luger.

I'll be the bad guy and say that while it is a decent pistol, the finish is far from excellent, with only 50-70% of the blue left.

GKITCH · 08-23-2016, 01:33 PM

Just what is the mark on the frame?

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kurusu · 08-23-2016, 01:34 PM

One thing I can tell you. It has been shot frequently.

GKITCH · 08-23-2016, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

Gkitch,
Welcome and congrats on your first luger.

I'll be the bad guy and say that while it is a decent pistol, the finish is far from excellent, with only 50-70% of the blue left.

Truth is not "bad". It is what I seek! Thank you.

kurusu · 08-23-2016, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GKITCH

Just what is the mark on the frame?

Attachment 60989

Attachment 60990

It's the letter P, It's part of the serial number.

Military Lugers are numbered in 1 to 9999 blocks, then a letter is added.

So your pistol is number 906 P.

DavidJayUden · 08-23-2016, 01:54 PM

I'd be interested to see more photos of the holster. The closure strap is a replacement, resembling that of an Artillery holster.

Overall the gun looks like a good honest old warrior that has earned its wear and marks the old fashioned way, on the battlefield.

Nice gun!

dju

GKITCH · 08-23-2016, 02:09 PM

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Eugen · 08-23-2016, 02:19 PM

Op, congrats on your first Luger and welcome to the forum. I bought my first Luger back in April. I highly recommend studying the FAQ section as there is a wealth of info there.

I think you did well and I am sure you will enjoy it. Report back after you take it to the range to "break it in".

ithacaartist · 08-23-2016, 02:26 PM

There are some obvious problems with the holster, including the upside-down closure straps, this belt loop which appears to be a replacement, and the missing stitches shown above. No pic yet of the back, which would reveal whether WWI or WWII construction, but for WWII, the back would be one piece, including the mag pouch. I think the maker's mark would also provide this info, but to my callow eye, it does appear to be a cut-down Artillery holster--the toe looks a little funny. It is not stamped P.08 on the back, either. A shot of the front of the closed holster would reveal the shape of the flap, and a full shot of the back will tell us about the construction of the back--and whether there are remnants of the suspected original board/strap mounting configuration.

Also, the finish condition may put this into "Collectible Shooter" category. The later guns are reputed to be a bit metallurgically superior to the earlier ones, so If you swap out the vulnerable numbered small parts for something more expendable, you could blaze away with it and really enjoy shooting it! 9mm is the cheapest ammo format, too.

cirelaw · 08-23-2016, 02:41 PM

A Wonderful Luger Cherry! You will never forget your first nor your last!!!!

Edward Tinker · 08-23-2016, 02:43 PM

whoa, whoa, lets not get crazy here.

This is a WW1 era holster (LZA) that is police modified! The 5722 on the back helps substantiate that and the strap is not un known to occur like this. But let me look again

I also merged the photos, at least the first ones to make it easier on my old eyes

GKITCH · 08-23-2016, 02:48 PM

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mrerick · 08-23-2016, 03:23 PM

Hi Greg, and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your first Luger.

The "p" block of 10,000 pistols was made very early in 1941. It was the second block worked on that year - probably during January and February. It was also made during the time when Mauser was transitioning from the "42" manufacturer concealment code to the new "byf" code, which your pistol has. There were approximately 130,000 made in this variation. Yours would be one of the first few thousand.

Look inside the side-plate and you should find the number "10" stamped.

While the high edge wear on the Luger's finish would tend to indicate a fair amount of usage, there were also production process problems at Mauser that lead to bluing that looks almost translucent. I have a 1939 Mauser Luger that has this appearance, and this might be one too... Hard to judge from photos.

I agree with Ed's observations on the holster.

The metallurgy of these Mauser made Lugers was excellent, and represented an advance over the alloys used in earlier generation pistols.

Marc

Marc

kurusu · 08-23-2016, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

Hi Greg, and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your first Luger.

The "p" block of 10,000 pistols was made very early in 1941. It was the second block worked on that year - probably during January and February. It was also made during the time when Mauser was transitioning from the "42" manufacturer concealment code to the new "byf" code, which your pistol has. There were approximately 130,000 made in this variation. Yours would be one of the first few thousand.

Look inside the side-plate and you should find the number "10" stamped.

While the high edge wear on the Luger's finish would tend to indicate a fair amount of usage, there were also production process problems at Mauser that lead to bluing that looks almost translucent. I have a 1939 Mauser Luger that has this appearance, and this might be one too... Hard to judge from photos.

I agree with Ed's observations on the holster.

The metallurgy of these Mauser made Lugers was excellent, and represented an advance over the alloys used in earlier generation pistols.

Marc

Marc

Marc

I was under the impression that during January and February 1941 Lugers were still being produced with the manufacturer code "42".

I think I was told somewhere that my 41 BYF 8024o had been
produced around May.

I've been wrong before.

rhuff · 08-23-2016, 04:12 PM

Congrats on your first Luger, and welcome to the forum. Be aware that Lugers are like peanuts.....it is difficult to have just one. Enjoy!!

GKITCH · 08-23-2016, 05:55 PM

I bought it as an investment and to fill a gap in my rather random collection of cool guns. It was reportedly a GI Bring-back and that seems to ring true. I think I paid a little too much but that balances out a fairly good deal I got for a couple of other things the seller had. Since I plan to have it a while, the value will eventually catch up to what I paid anyhow.
So, gentlemen, what would a fair 'retail" price be for the gun with the holster? Curiosity is getting the better of me.

Edward Tinker · 08-23-2016, 06:03 PM

actually I like to hear, I paid $.00 for it - but no one ever admits to that

I would say its is at the low end collector arena. I don't remember if you said if it was all matching? What is the magazine? Did you get a second magazine or a loading tool in the holster?

$600 is a cheap Luger shooter - i figure the holster is worth $150-$200 - Its in decent shape, but stitching is a bit loose.

$700-$900 for the luger and holster - maybe a bit more, but depends on bore condition, etc. I think in real life it probably looks better?
Usually an investment is a bit nicer, a rougher example will only go up a bit over time, so depends on how much you paid...

ed

08-23-2016, 01:03 PM	#1
GKITCH User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 9 Thanks: 14 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	I just took the plunge and bought a Mauser-made 41 Luger, complete with holster and one magazine. The finish is excellent and the markings crisp and clear, thus pushing me over the ledge to shell out some cash. I am more of a S&W collector so I know the power of detail and hoping I got this right! Pretty much a guess on my part. [attach][/attach] [attach][/attach] [attach][/attach] Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Edward Tinker; 08-23-2016 at 02:40 PM.

08-23-2016, 01:15 PM	#3
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Congrats. Looks like a nice honest gun, but we need more pics to give you any idea of what you have. Top, both sides, and all markings. Recommend you take the photos outside on an overcast day and make sure they are in sharp focus before posting them. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

08-23-2016, 01:25 PM	#4
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,677 Thanks: 1,440 Thanked 4,348 Times in 2,038 Posts	Gkitch, Welcome and congrats on your first luger. I'll be the bad guy and say that while it is a decent pistol, the finish is far from excellent, with only 50-70% of the blue left. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

08-23-2016, 02:19 PM	#11
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 768 Thanks: 370 Thanked 602 Times in 320 Posts	Op, congrats on your first Luger and welcome to the forum. I bought my first Luger back in April. I highly recommend studying the FAQ section as there is a wealth of info there. I think you did well and I am sure you will enjoy it. Report back after you take it to the range to "break it in". __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

08-23-2016, 02:26 PM	#12
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,288 Thanks: 7,033 Thanked 2,482 Times in 1,323 Posts	There are some obvious problems with the holster, including the upside-down closure straps, this belt loop which appears to be a replacement, and the missing stitches shown above. No pic yet of the back, which would reveal whether WWI or WWII construction, but for WWII, the back would be one piece, including the mag pouch. I think the maker's mark would also provide this info, but to my callow eye, it does appear to be a cut-down Artillery holster--the toe looks a little funny. It is not stamped P.08 on the back, either. A shot of the front of the closed holster would reveal the shape of the flap, and a full shot of the back will tell us about the construction of the back--and whether there are remnants of the suspected original board/strap mounting configuration. Also, the finish condition may put this into "Collectible Shooter" category. The later guns are reputed to be a bit metallurgically superior to the earlier ones, so If you swap out the vulnerable numbered small parts for something more expendable, you could blaze away with it and really enjoy shooting it! 9mm is the cheapest ammo format, too. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

08-23-2016, 01:12 PM	#2
Arizona Slim Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 706 Thanks: 1,026 Thanked 409 Times in 225 Posts	Congratulations on your first Luger GKITCH and welcome to the forum. Great looking pistol. If you have the time please post more photos of your new acquisition so the members can offer their insight on your Luger. Lon

08-23-2016, 01:33 PM	#5
GKITCH User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 9 Thanks: 14 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Just what is the mark on the frame?

08-23-2016, 01:34 PM	#6
kurusu User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 2,679 Thanked 929 Times in 509 Posts	One thing I can tell you. It has been shot frequently.

08-23-2016, 01:54 PM	#9
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	I'd be interested to see more photos of the holster. The closure strap is a replacement, resembling that of an Artillery holster. Overall the gun looks like a good honest old warrior that has earned its wear and marks the old fashioned way, on the battlefield. Nice gun! dju

08-23-2016, 02:09 PM	#10
GKITCH User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 9 Thanks: 14 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

08-23-2016, 02:41 PM	#13
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	A Wonderful Luger Cherry! You will never forget your first nor your last!!!!

08-23-2016, 02:43 PM	#14
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	whoa, whoa, lets not get crazy here. This is a WW1 era holster (LZA) that is police modified! The 5722 on the back helps substantiate that and the strap is not un known to occur like this. But let me look again I also merged the photos, at least the first ones to make it easier on my old eyes __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-23-2016, 02:48 PM	#15
GKITCH User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 9 Thanks: 14 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

08-23-2016, 03:23 PM	#16
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,372 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	Hi Greg, and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your first Luger. The "p" block of 10,000 pistols was made very early in 1941. It was the second block worked on that year - probably during January and February. It was also made during the time when Mauser was transitioning from the "42" manufacturer concealment code to the new "byf" code, which your pistol has. There were approximately 130,000 made in this variation. Yours would be one of the first few thousand. Look inside the side-plate and you should find the number "10" stamped. While the high edge wear on the Luger's finish would tend to indicate a fair amount of usage, there were also production process problems at Mauser that lead to bluing that looks almost translucent. I have a 1939 Mauser Luger that has this appearance, and this might be one too... Hard to judge from photos. I agree with Ed's observations on the holster. The metallurgy of these Mauser made Lugers was excellent, and represented an advance over the alloys used in earlier generation pistols. Marc Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

08-23-2016, 04:12 PM	#18
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,272 Thanks: 2,692 Thanked 959 Times in 705 Posts	Congrats on your first Luger, and welcome to the forum. Be aware that Lugers are like peanuts.....it is difficult to have just one. Enjoy!!

08-23-2016, 05:55 PM	#19
GKITCH User Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 9 Thanks: 14 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	I bought it as an investment and to fill a gap in my rather random collection of cool guns. It was reportedly a GI Bring-back and that seems to ring true. I think I paid a little too much but that balances out a fairly good deal I got for a couple of other things the seller had. Since I plan to have it a while, the value will eventually catch up to what I paid anyhow. So, gentlemen, what would a fair 'retail" price be for the gun with the holster? Curiosity is getting the better of me.

08-23-2016, 06:03 PM	#20
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	actually I like to hear, I paid $.00 for it - but no one ever admits to that I would say its is at the low end collector arena. I don't remember if you said if it was all matching? What is the magazine? Did you get a second magazine or a loading tool in the holster? $600 is a cheap Luger shooter - i figure the holster is worth $150-$200 - Its in decent shape, but stitching is a bit loose. $700-$900 for the luger and holster - maybe a bit more, but depends on bore condition, etc. I think in real life it probably looks better? Usually an investment is a bit nicer, a rougher example will only go up a bit over time, so depends on how much you paid... ed