My first post and first Luger; 1936 S/42

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I got a S&W 19 from a friend's freind's Father In Law. Just as I was about to walk out the door the FIL asked me if I might also be interested in a Luger. I was but I was afraid of what it might cost me. All I had for starters was it was a S/42 in a shoulder holster and it was rough. He'd bring it up next trip.

I did a bit of research so as to not be a complete dolt. It was kind of like cramming for finals when you skipped class too much.

I got to see it today and purchased it. It wasn't as rough as he was indicating. Fair wear and tear from some use.

Serial number 5708n, mostly matching so far except magazine and grips. I did not check the firing pin yet. Bluing is pretty good with some wear on the muzzle end and the usual high spots on the left side cover and the receiver rail on the right. Doesn't look reblued to me. Still has maching marks in the ears and the toggle is bright blue. Straw parts are still nicely colored. There was a touch of old rust on the frame heel but no pits. Grip screws were rusty at one time too. Oddly I think the grip screw slots are different blade thicknesses but one has some screwdriver dings.

Worst part is the right grip panel is cracked about 1 inch or so coming up from the screw. Upon further review I believe it's because somewhere along the line someone put grips on it that fill too tight. They might be commercial grips. They have matching stamps of 92 and the left has a Z and a W the right bears an N and a W. Also has a stamp I can't make out, something with a crown perhaps or an arrow.

The magazine doesn't match (BTW mag is blue steel with alum butt sn 6047b, if you have a sn 5908n let me know!)

Well that's my first Luger and I'm not sure if I paid too much or if I paid too little. It was a touch outside of my comfort zone but I've wanted one for a long time but never made it a priority.

Here's some pictures if I can get this right..

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Some more photographs.

Uhh...someone let me know if this is wrong. I got the gist that it was preferred to upload the pics to the site for posterioty/research uses but I don't want to be a hard drive hog.

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and the grips that I'm thinking might be commercial replacements, anyways the one is cracked and ill fitting as it wedges against the frame curve.

[mrerick]

Hi Tom,

Welcome to the Forum.

You've got yourself a very nice Mauser Luger! Congratulations...

Post your photos here on the site... It's much worse for us years down the road when external site photos disappear. This site is useful for research. What's a few megabits when history is involved?

It looks like you probably have an almost all matching Luger in decent original finish. I just saw your grip photos. They look like original Erfurt inspected grips, and are a mismatch.

When you disassemble it, take care and go slowly. Especially when removing the grips. Don't lift them much before sliding them off, especially avoid breaking the left grip.

You have a piece of history in your hand. Enjoy it! Oh yes... these things can become addictive...

Marc

[Doug G.]

I'd say knowing what you paid for it, you did not get hurt. If it were mine I would resist the urge to shoot it as a broken part would ruin the value greatly. As for the grips, it is unfortunate that they are mismatched, but I recall that not all were numbered to the guns in WWII guns. Take care of that one and buy a shooter to have fun with.

[Nomadr]

Looks like a nice honest Luger to me. Congratulations! Don't know what you paid but I'm thinking it was a good deal.

BTW the magazine you show is 6047"s" and not "b" Would be correct for a S/42 1937.

I have 6902s close but no cigar.

Bob

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Thanks Bob, I thought I was reading the script right. Oops! they do say picture is worth a thousand words.

Doug, thanks for the guidance on this. I saw it and the matching numbers and pretty much figured even with the cracked grip I would probably be ok.

Marc, I spent quite a few hours researching right here on the forum "cramming for finals" so to speak and I saw a fair number of threads with dead linked photos. That is frustrating for archive purposes.

so is it ok to carve some SS runes into it? I kid I kid.

Hefting this I forgot how well the balance and point with the weight more in your grip.

yeah, Doug I probably need a WWI vintage shooter grade. I did get your PM over there too.

[Frank]

The magazine S/N 6047s would have been shipped with a 1939 Code 42. The clue is the size of the Waffenamt Mark. The SE/63 had three sizes. The small SE/63 is found on 1937 S/42 Lugers. The mid-size and large are found on 1939 Lugers.

The one pictured is of the large variety!

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yeah I didn't need the 10x loupe for that one.

I was using the loupe on the stamped mark on the grips. I couldn't make it out much that way. I got a much better look with the macro setting and the camera.

Now that Marc told me what I'm looking at I can now see the E in there.