Make: Mauser (byf)

Model: Luger P.08

Serial#: 7194t

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Caliber: 9mm Luger

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

Barrel Length: 4"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is serrated blade dovetailed to a banded base fixed 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 wood. The inside of each panel is marked "94" and with an eagle/355 waffenamt. The grips have some scattered light wear. There are a few nicks and small scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished, numbered parts are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 87% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear, mostly on leading edges and raised features. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The bottom edges of the barrel extension have erosion under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.

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

Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with a Friedrich Offermann & Sohne black leather flap-holster and a single 8-round magazine with non-matching alloy floorplate.

Our Assessment: The Parabellum-Pistole 1908, commonly referred to as the Luger, was designed by Georg Johann Luger. Following four years of military service, Luger worked a number of jobs in Vienna, in the 1870s Luger met Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher who recruited him as a sales representative for Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabrik AG (DWM). Luger decided to rework the design of the Borchardt pistol 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 Luger would become one of the most iconic weapons of the 20th century. His pistol would continue to serve the German military during WWII and saw service in a number military and police forces after the war.

This particular specimen was made in 1941 and retains serial-matching parts, though the included magazine is not matching. Mauser used the code “byf” on its output beginning in early 1941 and continued to use that code until the end of WWII, which aligns with the waffenamts and date code on the slide. 1941 would prove to be the most decisive year of the conflict. On June 22nd, a German led coalition launched Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union and bringing them into the war on the Allied side. Also, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Germany declared war on the United States which only further complicated Germany's position.

Per the consignor, this item has been in his family's possession since his father, Staff Sergeant Ernest Meyers, was discharged from the Army in January, 1946. SSG Meyers served in the Headquarters Company, 1st battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment of the 80th "Blue Ridge Division". A signed letter from SSG Meyers' son is included with this item. The letter notes, "My father didn't talk too much about the War, however he did say he took the Luger, Holster and an Arm Band from a German Soldier that was killed along with others lying alongside of a bombed out building. My father received several Decorations and Citations, Purple Heart, American Service Medal, EAME Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal."

This pistol has been refinished, so it looks good for its age and service. It retains a fair bore, strong mechanics, and comes with a period holster. If you are a fan of German military arms and WWII history then this is the handgun for you. Good luck on your bid!