My byf 41

[Shadowrunner52]

I recently found this site and it's been a great resource for finding more information about my Luger. Thanks to all who have contributed.

I inherited my P.08 from my grandfather who got it during WW II when a German unit surrendered to him. It has all matching serial numbers and is in excellent condition. I've fired it a few times and it's a nice shooter. The holster is showing some wear but is still in good shape. It even has the maintenance tool with it. Unfortunately there are no unit markings on the holster, just the Waffenamt inspection stamp. Here is the info:

byf 41
SN: 4932 Z
Mauser Military Proof: SE655 SE655
Bore Gage: 8.82

[JTD]

very nice looking military mauser. Thanks for sharing with us. John

[CoyoteM4]

Looking good, and with some great history to boot! Looks very clean, makes me want to shoot it.

[mrerick]

Most likely a pistol in all matching original finish condition complete with appropriate holster, magazines (one matching) and tool.

Before firing this, please consider that parts on Lugers do break (you can find the stories posted here) and that breaking it impacts the historic and financial value of your family heirloom.

I am not a fan of shooting collectable firearms for this reason.

Marc

[alanint]

Not to rain on the parade, but this pistol looks very highly polished for a BYF 41.

Much closer photos would be appreciated so that the finish can really be evaluated.

[Frank]

Shadow, thanks for the serial number info!!!

[Sky Zero]

The safety bar thing looks REALLY white

[alanint]

The grips also show signs of scrubbing. This gun has been redone or at least seriously "freshened".

[Shadowrunner52]

Nothing has been done to it that I am aware of. My grandfather passed in 88 so I can't ask him but I certainly have not had any work done on it. The grips do have some wear and as for the safety bar looking white, I think that's just my flash.

I'll take some closeup photos and post them tonight.

[Shadowrunner52]

Here are some additional photos. Let me know if there are any other angles you want to see.

[alanint]

Your photos make me feel better about the finish. Could you also shoot close-ups of both front and back straps on the grips?

Make sure all oil is wiped off and the gun dried prior to photo'ing

[tharpo]

Welcome to the Forum Bob.
It looks like you have a very nice original 1941 Luger. The fact that your Grandfather brought it back from WW2 it makes it a family heirloom that you can treasure. The gun was produced in late 1941 so it was probably issued an unnumbered black plastic magazine like the one you have. Does the aluminum bottom magazine have a serial number on it?

Tom

[Shadowrunner52]

alanint, is this the view you are looking for?

The magazine with the black plastic end has the Mauser military proof marking with a number 37 beneath it. It also has the letters 'fxo' and 'P.08' inscribed on the side.

The magazine with the aluminum end has the serial number '6300 R' and the Mauser military proof marking with a number 63 below it.

So it looks like neither magazine is the original.

[mrerick]

Actually, the un numbered plastic based FXO magazine would be correct for your Luger.

Marc