Luger 1942 Commercial Banner P.08

Description

Mint, matching & rare with only 24 known to exist! With the 'w' suffix, this falls into what is known as 'collector variation W-IX', which covers S/N 7710w-8200w which is around 500 pistols. In 1942 Mauser was instructed to cease production of the P.08 Luger so they could make the P.38 as the new Wehrmacht side arm. Between 1942 & 1944 some 1,200 were believed to have been made from existing parts mainly for police & very limited commercial sales. It is believed that the commercial sales would have been made to NSDAP Party members with influence or rank, as not just anybody could order a new Luger at a time when the Fatherland was starting to realise it was in a bit of bother! Most commercial Lugers had the all blue finish as per the 'Black Widow' with very few having the 'straw' small parts & wood grips. Correctly, this sports zero military acceptance markings, just the commercial Eagle over N proofs in the right places. The chamber is dated '42' & the toggle bears the Mauser Banner trademark instead of the standard wartime secret squirrel code of 'byf'. The left frame, sideplate & internal parts are numbered '8121' or '21' & correctly, it is one of the those 500 odd guns without the P.08 marking on the left side of the pistol, (see photos). The magazine base is unnumbered & bare, as it correct for a commercial gun however it is marked 'fxo' & has an E77 Waffenamt double stamped. The safety lever is marked “GESICHERT,” & the bore, toggle & receiver markings remain crisp throughout. This is a serious investment for the serious collector as this represents a rarer pistol than your average Luftwaffe Krieghoff, Mauser Black Widow & even the rare K Date Kriegsmarine P.08 we are also offering! We think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional & are happy for feedback from people who know more than we do. Make your decision based on the photos as these form the main description & override all other. Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an 'as is' basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting. We have a pretty unique refund policy on our collectable guns whereby we will refund your money if it is not in the condition described when you receive it. Just let us know before if you decide to send it back.  

Specifications