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LOT 3382
Outstanding Mauser “K” Date “S/42” Code P.08 Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol Rig with Two Matching
Magazines and “1934” Dated Holster - Serial no. 8431, 9 mm cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured in 1934, the highly desirable “K” date “S/42” code Lugers were part of the effort of the
relatively fresh fascist government to start moving out from under the restrictions of the Versailles Treaty in
preparation for their wars of aggression. While international will to enforce the treaty had been slipping for
some time by this point, there was still concern of pushback, which led to the system of using letters in lieu
of plain dates (a procedure that would be abandoned once it became clear that no one was going to raise a
fuss) and the use of assigned codes in lieu of plain maker’s marks (which would be the status quo through the
end of the war). Being among the arms on tap for some of the earliest action of World War II in Europe, letter
code firearms rarely went unissued, being on the belts and in the hands of the soldiers executing the earliest
political and military occupations of Germany’s neighbors, often being subjected to years of wartime wear and
tear, sometimes outright destroyed by the harsh conditions of combat, making them rare in any condition, let
alone in condition as fine as this example. Fixed sights, with the “K” date on the chamber, “S/42” code on the
front toggle link, “B][90” on the extension and barrel, “S][91” on the extension, and “droop wing eagle” firing
proofs on the barrel, extension and breechblock. The underside of the barrel bears a “8,83” (double struck)
internal diameter stamp on the underside, and block “S” stamps are present on the front toggle link and safety
bar. Matching numbers are present overall in the traditional military pattern, including the checkered grips
and nickel finished alloy base magazines, both bearing “H” stamps on the spine and “B][90” on the base, with a
proper “+” stamp on the extra magazine base. includes a black leather flap holster, marked “LEDERWERKE/KARL
ACKVA A.G./BAD KREUZNACH/1934” on the front of the body under the flap and proper pockets and flaps for
the included “O][37” marked takedown tool and “B][90” and “S” marked cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% of the original blue finish, showing some thinning on the gripstraps, bright
edge wear, mild handling marks and some areas of brown patina. 80% of the original straw color is present
on the small parts, and 70% of the original niter blue. The grips are very
fine, with some dings and flat spots on the otherwise sharp checkering.
The holster is fine, with some cracking of the closure strap, stitching loss on
the left side of the body, and mild scratches and wear overall. Mechanically
excellent. Certainly the best correct two matched magazine “K” date rig we
have offered. One will look a long time to
find a better example!
Estimate: 30,000 - 45,000