German, Interwar-1937, Mauser P.08 Luger 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, S/42, WaA63, Matching Serial Nos. 7363t, EU/UK Deactivated - 19

*German, Interwar-1937, Mauser P.08 Luger 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, S/42, WaA63, Matching Serial Nos. 7363t, EU/UK Deactivated*

An original German P.08 Luger semi-automatic service pistol, manufactured by Mauser-Werke A.G., Oberndorf am Neckar, in 1937. The pistol bears the Mauser wartime manufacturer code “S/42” to the forward toggle link and the chamber date “1937”, identifying it as a pre-war German Army production example.

This is a highly desirable period for Luger collectors, often regarded as a peak era for Mauser P.08 production. These 1937 S/42 pistols retain the excellent pre-war machining quality, crisp markings and deep salt-blue finish associated with Mauser manufacture before wartime production pressures led to progressively simplified manufacturing.

Serial numbered 7363t, the pistol retains matching numbers to the visible principal components, including the frame, barrel, receiver and toggle assembly. The smaller visible components are also correctly numbered “63”, including the toggle links, breechblock, extractor, sideplate, safety lever and rear sight assembly. This strong matching integrity is a major collector feature and significantly adds to desirability.

The pistol retains multiple correct Eagle/63 Waffenamt military acceptance stamps and German firing proofs, consistent with 1937 Mauser production. The safety area retains the GESICHERT marking, and the pistol is fitted with original chequered walnut grip panels showing attractive age and service wear.

The pistol is supplied with an original wartime German aluminium-base magazine, serial numbered 4046r. The magazine is non-matching to the pistol but is period correct, bearing a worn German Heeres acceptance mark, appearing to be Eagle/37.

Approx. Measurements. Barrel Length: approx. 10 cm / 4 inches. Calibre: 9mm Parabellum

History Note:
The Pistole 08, universally known as the Luger, was the standard sidearm of the German military through both the First and Second World Wars and remains one of the most iconic military pistols ever produced. By 1937, Mauser-Werke A.G., Oberndorf am Neckar, had become the principal manufacturer of the P.08, producing pistols to an exceptionally high standard. This pre-war period is widely regarded by collectors as the pinnacle of Mauser Luger production, characterised by superb machining, finely polished salt-blued finishes and crisp military inspection markings before wartime expediency led to progressively simplified manufacture.

To disguise Germany's expanding rearmament programme, military firearms were marked with secret manufacturer codes rather than factory names. Between 1934 and 1939, Mauser military contract Lugers carried the code "S/42", while inspection and acceptance were undertaken by the WaA63 military inspection team, whose distinctive early "droop-winged" Eagle/63 Waffenamt stamps are present throughout this pistol. During 1939 the manufacturer code changed to "42" under WaA655, before finally adopting the familiar "byf" code in late 1941 under WaA135. As a result, pre-war S/42 Lugers retaining their original Eagle/63 inspection marks are regarded as some of the finest military P.08 pistols produced, combining historical significance with the highest standards of Mauser craftsmanship before full wartime production began.

*Condition*
Very good original collector condition, retaining much of its original blued finish with honest age and service wear. There is visible thinning and wear to the muzzle, high points, sideplate, grip straps and exposed edges, with some light freckling and small handling marks. The markings remain clear and legible throughout, including the chamber date, S/42 toggle code, serial numbers and Waffenamt stamps. The chequered walnut grips remain well fitted with good period colour and wear. Magazine is original wartime German but non-matching.

Deactivation Details:
Deactivated to current EU/UK specification and accompanied by Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House certificate number 174984, dated 15/02/2023. The certificate records the country as Germany, manufacturer/brand as S/42, type as Automatic Pistol, make/model as S/42, calibre as 9mm, serial number 7363, and barrel length 4 inches. The pistol bears the required modern EU/GB deactivation inspection marks. In accordance with current EU/UK deactivation standards, the toggle can be manually operated, but the pistol does not cock or dry fire.

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