This is one of the most highly coveted war-time Mauser Lugers. The 41-42 is the only two digit date in conjunction with the 42 code. This is a 9mm Parabellum with the short Mauser frame (+2mm) a stock lug and the 4" (100mm) barrel. This is a battlefield rig with a period holster, all matching Luger, loading tool and extra magazine.  (1441)

NOTE: Photographs taken today with the high mega-pixel camera show more than we sometimes can see with the human eye. Magnified close-ups show us tool marks and natural surface conditions that one normally doesn't see in the ordinary handling of the weapon.  Photographs are copyrighted, all rights reserved, any extraction, reproduction or display of gun pictures without the express consent of the Phoenix Investment Arms is strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation. Please visit Legal (tabbed) for Conditions of Sale.

Members of the Luftschutzwarndienst (Luftschutz) were typically volunteers assembled into area units within cities and towns that held the highest risk of being bombed. Many population centers were divided into area “blocks” with unit leaders assigned to each individual section of a city.  Volunteer teams were expected to rotate shifts and sleep in large concrete bunkers that held all the provisions and amenities of a regular fortification.  These also included the immense “flak towers” built around German cities upon which anti-aircraft batteries were stationed.

The extractor is marked "Geladen" (Loaded) with the safety marked "Gesichert" with thumb safety down for safe. These are matching walnut fine checked grips with an included hold open, and all the numbers match.

The serial number is two digit with no suffix indicating it was produced very early in 1941 with the ending of the 42 code and before the assignment of the 'byf' code.  The two matching magazine are numbered 1 & 2 much like the police guns while there are military proofs on the side of the gun.

The serial number appears on the 1st toggle, the rear toggle and the thumb safety in addition to the side of the frame, locking lever and side plate. On the Right Up picture you can see the extractor marked in German [GELADEN] which was raised when a round is in the chamber giving the shooter both a visual and a tactile indication the gun was loaded.

This Luger possesses the Type IV magazine with the blued FXO body and aluminum bottom pinned through the the body. Military proofs include the E655 acceptance proof. 

Characteristic of the of "42" Code Mausers all the small parts are blued with the hot salt blue finish and contain the Mauser "hump" the 2mm extension of the frame to cover the rear main axel pin when in full recoil. Below is the Luftwaffe camouflage over jacket with the holster and belt being worn. 

Two matching FXO P08 extruded magazines with the matching bottoms pinned through the bottom of the sleeve which is blued.

This is a very clean gun with the Eagle 655 proof on the top left of the barrel and the P08 on the side of the frame. The barrel condition is very good, shiny with only light freckling at the throat from the corrosive primers used during that period. This is very common condition of all WWII weapons.

After 1936 the small parts on the Mauser were blued, this example has the original matching magazine. In February 1941 the "42" code was changed to byf and while there is believed to be some overlap between the byf and 41 code Lugers it is written that only an estimated 7,000 models with these markings were produced.

During the war to disguise production from the Allies Mauser began using codes instead of their customary Banner Logo.  First was the S/42, then in 1939 began the "42" code which was followed in 1941 with the "byf".  This brief overlap in 1941 gave us the 41/42 in such low production numbers, (estimated 7,000), that makes it is very hard to find, if not rare, in excellent condition as this Luger.

The holster is in excellent shape with the leather still soft and subtle.  All the stitching is intact including the pull strap and load tool pouch. This rig comes with a proofed loading tool and an additional magazine (matching). The belt is a later period belt with the Luftschutz buckle. Just a fantastic collectors gun for the serious Mauser collector.

There is a worn Luftwaffe insignia on the holster leading to the speculation that this rig was worn by a Luftwaffe liaison with the Luftschutz anti-aircraft service, or perhaps a former service man who joined the Luftschutz after his service in the Heer.

The front of the holster is soft and does not exhibit any splits or tears.  The rear of the holster appears to have been converted back from hanger loops or a over the shoulder rig to the belt loop version. 

The loading tool is an Eagle 655 which matches the proofs on the gun. The Luftschutz belt buckle is stamp pressed buckle that was produced later in the war but still retains a fine edge on the design.

The Air Protection Warning Service (Luftschutzwarndienst-LSW) was a civilian organization whose purpose it was to alert the population of impending air raid attacks.  In fulfilling this role, members were required to interpret various communication reports regarding bomber formations flying over Germany, operate search lights, observe bomber formations, help keep order among civilians affected by bombing raids, and to utilize air raid sirens before and after attacks. 

The inside of the gun reflects the care it has received by it's owners these past 68 years.  The rear main axel pin has the last two digits of the serial number per the 1932 order and with the Luger in full recoil position you can see the Mauser "hump" that holds the axel pin in place: (BELOW RIGHT).

The last two digits of the serial number appear on the locking lever, the side of the receiver, the firing pin and (right) the sear and then the sear stop when the safety is applied.   Note the rear main axel pin also has the last two digits of the serial number to comply with a  1932 Reichswehrministerium order that the rear main axel pin be serial numbered to the gun.  You can also see a fine examples of the fire-blued pin.

The Eagle 655 for the 1st and 2nd Stage Inspections and the Eagle with the Swastika is the military acceptance stamp that was adopted in late 1939.  The extractor on the top of the breach block and the 1st toggle link can be seen with the "57" matching numbers.  On the barrel and receiver is the Swastika acceptance stamp making this for some 'proof' of the Nazi weapons.

It is entirely subjective to give any Luger a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few Lugers are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder.  We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria.