*German, Pre WW2 - 1937 Dated, Mauser S/42 P.08 Luger 9mm Pistol, Matching Numbers, Matching Magazine, Original 1937 Holster & Spare WW2 Magazine, Old Spec Deactivated*
A superb and highly desirable original wartime German P.08 Luger pistol by Mauser, dated 1937 and retaining an exceptional level of originality, complete with its matching-number magazine, original dated military holster, spare WW2 magazine, loading/takedown tool, inert rounds and old specification UK deactivation certificate. This is a particularly attractive pre-war Mauser military Luger from the important rearmament period, with strong factory markings and an increasingly scarce fully matching configuration.
The pistol is a classic S/42-coded P.08, the wartime production designation used by Mauser Oberndorf. The chamber is crisply dated 1937, while the toggle carries the correct S/42 code above the barrel extension. Serial number 6794 appears on the left side of the receiver. Matching serial suffix 94 is present across the smaller components in the expected Mauser fashion, while the underside carries 6794x beneath the barrel and receiver, confirming the pistol remains a highly desirable matching example, , with the suffix letter X placing production later within the 1937 series.
Particularly noteworthy is the original magazine, serialled 6794x and bearing the correct WaA63 acceptance. Matching magazines are one of the most difficult components to find with P.08 pistols; issued pistols originally had two magazines which were frequently separated, lost, replaced, or mixed during service. Retaining its original numbered magazine substantially enhances collector interest and desirability.
The right-hand side of the receiver carries the correct WaA63 military acceptance proofs used by Mauser during 1937. These stamps correspond precisely with Mauser Oberndorf production of this period and indicate official German military acceptance. Under the barrel are the expected 9mmP and 8,81 markings, denoting 9mm Parabellum chambering and the bore measurement taken during factory inspection.
The accompanying spare magazine is a separate wartime example marked 6607 i, with WaA37 inspection marks and side code 122, identifying manufacture by C.G. Haenel, a principal wartime subcontractor for Luger magazines. Such period spare magazines are increasingly difficult to source and complement the set well.
The original leather holster is a particularly attractive addition, stamped GEBRÜDER KLINGE / DRESDEN / 1937, above a faint wartime army acceptance mark and WaA142 inspection stamp. Gebrüder Klinge of Dresden was a respected wartime leather contractor and these dated Luger holsters remain highly sought after in their own right. The holster shows honest service wear and retains its spare magazine pouch and belt fittings.
Also included is the original Luger combination loading and takedown tool, often referred to as a stripping tool, an accessory frequently absent from surviving sets. Two inert display rounds accompany the pistol: one marked "WIN 9MM LUGER" and the second "CBC 12 L31A1", the latter a military-contract inert example.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 10.1 cm (4 inches). Overall length: approx. 22 cm.
History Note:
The P.08 Luger remains one of the most iconic military pistols ever produced. Designed by Georg Luger and formally adopted by Imperial Germany in 1908, it served through both World Wars and became synonymous with German military forces. By 1937 Mauser had become the principal manufacturer during Germany’s rapid military expansion. The S/42 code was used to conceal manufacturer identity while retaining military production records. Pre-war examples such as this are often sought after for their superior machining and finish compared with later wartime production. Fully matching examples with matching magazines and period accessories are increasingly difficult to locate.
*Condition*
Excellent overall condition for age. Retains an attractive original finish with honest service wear and handling marks. Grips remain sharp and undamaged. Markings and Waffenamt proofs are clear throughout. Holster has a wondeful patina and is in very good condition with minor age-related wear and use consistent with wartime service. Complete with original matching magazine, wartime spare magazine, takedown/loading tool, inert rounds and London Proof House old specification deactivation certificate dated 2005. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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