1941 Kü Mauser 41/42

There are as many theories about the Mauser Kü as there are people that study them. What we do know is that the parts were made by Mauser and they have been Luftwaffe proofed. This is an outstanding example of the Kü variation. At the start of 1941 dates were changed to two digits and the P.08 markings were begun in February 1941 the 42 Code was changed to "byf" so production was only officially in January-February 1941 for an estimated 7000 Lugers. Of these 7,000 produced only 2300 are belied to be of the Kü variation. (1306)

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This Parabellum is 9mm, with a 4" (100mm)barrel, a dovetailed inverted front sight and a "V" notch rear sight on the rear toggle link. Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The first toggle link is marked wit the Mauser code "42". The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen." There is a stock lug, the trigger, the locking lug and thumb safety are blued, as expected of the "42" Mausers.

Proof marks are the Luftwaffe acceptance proof found on the barrel, and the right side of the receiver. The Mauser E/655 proof is found on the barrel and the bottom of the magazine and inside the grips. This is a Stage II proof and the Eagle 655 with the numbers in a straight line which is an early (1939) barrel proof. Most Kü prefixed Lugers have large serial numbers and these seem more consistent with Krieghoff numbers.

On the left side of the breechblock is another Krieghoff proof. Under the thumb safety is the Code 42 of a Mauser factory part. These part numbers were usually only found on replacement parts so we can surmise this 1941 Kü borrowed from the parts bins of Mauser.

One theory of the Mauser Kü is that they were a contract for the German Coastal Flying Service, ("Küstenfliegerstafflen"). The Krieghoff Luftwaffe proof that appears on the barrel, the left side of the breach block and the right side of the receiver clearly links these guns to the Luftwaffe.

Another theory: Some say the Kü means Krieghoff Ulbricht which equals rework and re-issue. Some contend they were built from left over parts but of the Kü's I have examined each one was proofed, serial numbers matched from the firing pin to the grips and finishes were finely done consistent with the regular production Parabellum.


The grips show normal wear. The blue is the deep blue of the standard Mauser production. This example has all matching numbers. This is a Parabellum consistent with those 41-42 Kü's seen before.

The Luger is all matching with an FXO Type IV magazine with no proof marks. This is consistant with the Kü's we have seen over the years. The barrel is is not numbered but is proofed and witness mark is aligned with the frame. See Still, *Third Reich Lugers*, P97

Left: An Eagle 37 proofed FXO P.08 extruded magazine which were manufactured by Haenel and used in the 41-42 Mauser Parabellums. The serial number on the top of the thumb safety is very inconsistent with Mausers' produced in that period. The rear main axel pin does not show any serial number as required by the 1933 law; again not consistent with Mauser produced guns.

Another theory of the Mauser Kü is that they manufactured by Mauser and sent to Krieghoff to be assembled (the Luftwaffe connection). However it is reported that in a letter written by Mr. Krieghoff in 1964 he stated his factory did not use Mauser made parts to do any assembly. So we can only surmise that either Krieghoff parts went to Mauser for final assembly or Mauser parts went to Krieghoff or both company's parts went to a third plant for assembly.

This is a good clean example of the Mauser Kü. It shows a deep blue and displays minor holster wear. There appears to be no pitting or damage to the surface and represents a fine example of that period Luger. This Luger has been cared for over the years and shows well both inside and out. The barrel is strong with distinctive lands and grooves. The grips match the gun and the numbering is in large numbers.

The 41-42 Mauser Parabellum is a hard-to-find Luger for the collector since it was only produced for two months under wartime production. The Kü variation, despite the multiple theories of origination is an example of the enigma of unknown production. If one accepts that it 'is what it is' then you have a very limited variation for the collector to enjoy and your ticket to join the research and debate.

A more plausible theory of the Kü has been advanced that the guns were assembled from left-over parts of both Mauser and Krieghoff at another plant for the Luftwaffe, perhaps at the Neuengamme Concentration camp as suggested by Albert Speer, the Reich's Minister of Armaments.

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.

This is a excellent example of the "41" Mauser Kü Code 42. A much sought after variation in collector grade and a hard to find variation for the Kü or Luftwaffe collector. Any questions or requests for addition pictures to josef@phoenixinvestementarms.com