1938 Commercial Mauser Banner P.08

[AR-50A1]

Good Evening,

I was fortunate to have been able to purchase a commercial 1938 Mauser Banner P.08 in the December Premier Rock Island Auction. It is an absolute jewel and with history behind it.

As described in the auction catalog:

"This is an excellent, like new commercial contract Mauser Banner Luger pistol that is chambered in the seldom seen (in this serial number range) 7.65 mm Luger Auto cartridge. Very few were manufactured prior to the start of the war. The serial number with "v" suffix and "Crown/U" proofs combined with the Mauser Banner indicate that this Luger was manufactured at a time when the Mauser factory was still selling commercial/contract pistols to numerous countries in Europe. Since it is chambered in 7.65 mm, that would certainly give more support to a sale in Europe. In the recent book "The Mauser Parabellum 1930-1946" by Hallock and van de Kant on page 524, only three commercial pistols including this exact serial number 5143v are listed as having the 1938 date, 3 7/8 inch barrel and caliber 7.65 Luger. Based on this information, this is a very rare Luger variation. The authors state that these three pistols were part of a batch of Luger's delivered to Latvia, but the consignor states that he imported this Luger from Sweden 25 years ago and was told it was sold new there prior to the start of the war. Thus, the consignor is confident that this rare pistol was never part of a group of Luger's sold to Latvia. This exceptional Luger has a 1938 dated chamber and the Mauser Banner logo on the front toggle. The left side of the barrel extension, the front of the sight block at the muzzle and the left side of the breechblock are all stamped with a single "Crown/U" commercial proof acceptance mark with no other proofs. It has the full serial number, "5143v," stamped on the front of the frame and "5143" stamped on the underside of the barrel. The partial serial number "43" is stamped on various small parts. It is complete with its original matching magazine that has an all blued, unmarked magazine body and aluminum base stamped with "5143/v/+". It has the slightly higher polish commercial rust blue finish on the major parts and components and straw colors on the small parts."

"Condition: Excellent plus with 99% of the original blued finish overall and only minor edge and high spot wear. The various smaller parts retain 97% of their original straw colors showing wear/minor fading on the edges. The walnut grips are in also in excellent plus condition with nice, sharp, distinct checkering on both sides. An exceptionally nice, high condition, rare Mauser Banner commercial Luger pistol with all matching numbers including on the magazine."

It is a beautiful piece of history. Should you have a copy of the book "The Mauser Parabellum Pistol 1930-1946" (and you should if you collect Luger's) go to Chapter's 29 and 30. Lots of interesting information.

Comments always welcome.

Merry Christmas!!!

Bill