Make: Mauser S/42, imported by IAC

Model: P.08

Serial#: 1687s

Year of Manufacture: 1937

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Action Type: Toggle-Action Semi-Automatic Striker-Fired Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is serrated blade dovetailed to a banded base integral to the muzzle. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the rear toggle link.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece checkered walnut. The interior of the left panel is stamped "87" and "Z", the interior of the right has "2". The grips have even light handling wear with a few nicks and scuffs. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Strawed

Finish Originality: Refinished, possibly arsenal refurbished. The import mark is through the finish, indicating the finish is original to import

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion and a little minor pitting scattered through the bore, mostly in the grooves. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+/10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. The most notable wear is on each side of the barrel at the front sight boss and the raised portion of the sideplate. The strawed controls have some muting and discoloration. There are some scattered nicks and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are generally clear, some inspection marks are shallow and incomplete. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistol comes with a 1938 dated Lengefeld flap-holster, Luger tool, and a total of two magazines. One magazine has a blued body, e/37 mark, and force-matched alloy floorplate, the other has a nickeled body with non-matching e/63 alloy floorplate.

Our Assessment: The Parabellum-Pistole 1908, commonly referred to as the Luger, was designed by Georg Johann Luger, an unlikely gun designer. While attending university he served as volunteer with the Austro-Hungarian Army. While in the military Luger began to develop an interest in the small arms technology. In the 1870s Luger met Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher who recruited him for DWM. Luger decided to rework the design of the C93 Borchardt and eventually secured a contract for his new pistol with the Swiss Army. After some minor reworking Luger introduced the Pistole 1904, chambered for 9mm cartridges, which was adopted by the Imperial German Navy. A slightly altered version of the pistol with a smaller barrel was adopted for service by the Prussian Army in 1908, hence the designation P.08. The P.08 would become one of the most iconic weapons of the 20th century. His pistol would continue to serve the German military during WWII and in a number military and police forces after the war.

This particular Luger was manufactured 1937 by Mauser. Following the NSDAP assumption of power, Germany began to accelerate its military development, initially done in secret, but by 1935 the country began to openly accelerate its remilitarization. This Luger was made in 1937 after date codes were instituted. The pistol has been refinished, but retains serial-matching parts and an import mark through the finish, which may indicate arsenal refurbishment. It also comes with a nice 1938-dated holster. This is a neat example of a 1937 S/42 Luger, if you are a fan of German military arms and WWII history then this is the handgun for you. Good luck on your bid!