Page 347 - 89-FLIPBOOK1

LOT 429
Outstanding Early and Desirable Mauser Banner Model 1934 Commercial Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 1596v, 7.65 mm
Luger Auto cal., 3 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut checkered grips. This is a like new commercial contract
Mauser Banner Luger pistol that is chambered in the very rare and very
seldom seen (in this serial number range), “7.65 mm” Luger cartridge.
This is the only Luger known that is chambered in the 7.65 mm caliber, in the
1500-1596 serial number range. The early serial number and “v” suffix indicates that this
Luger was manufactured circa 1934-1938, when almost
all Lugers were being sold as commercial pistols to numerous countries in Europe and the United States. Some of the countries included Switzerland,
the Netherlands, Siam, Turkey, Latvia, Portugal and even to Mandatory Palestine/Israel. Since it is chambered in 7.65 mm, that would certainly
give more support to a sale in Europe. This Luger has an undated chamber with the Mauser Banner logo on the front toggle. The left side of the barrel extension, the underside of the barrel and the left side of the breechblock
are all stamped with a single “Crown/U” commercial proof acceptance
mark with no other proofs on the pistol. It is in a very early commercial
serial number range in the “V” block with the full serial number, “1596”, stamped on the front of the frame and underside of the barrel. The partial serial number “96” is stamped on various small parts. It is complete with
a single magazine that has an unmarked nickel plated magazine body
with an aluminum base that is stamped with only a single small
“Eagle/63” Waffenamt proof. It has a high polished blued finish
on the major parts and components with the straw colors on the
small parts.
CONDITION: Near new, with 99% plus of the early high polished
blue finish overall with only very minor edge and high spot
wear. The various small parts retain 98% plus of their bright
straw colors overall. The grips are also excellent plus with nice sharp checkering on both sides. Mechanically excellent. This Luger has all
matching numbers except the magazine as noted above. A truly outstanding example of an early and very desirable Model 1934 Commercial Mauser Banner Luger pistol that is most likely the finest known.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
345