WWII German records on 9mm P08 Luger...

[Don Prince]

Gentlemen,

I purchased a byf 41 (Mauser) P08 9mm Luger pistol with matching serial numbers and in firing condition about 25 years ago. I believe it has been professionally re-blued and has gold straw trim out-lining the parts. There are the standard Waffen marks with the 4 digit serial numbers on the frame, breech, and barrel. The last 2 digits of the serial numbers are on each of the other parts.

Mauser Serial Number byf 41-XXXX

Is there a way to trace the history as to who was assigned this pistol during WWII?

Kind Regards,
Don_

P.S.: I will take some photos and post them later. It is very impressive...

[JasonA]

Hey Don,

Would be great to see photos, but you are correct that it has been messed with. Straw finish was not part of the byf 41 production.

I don't think you'll find who this was issued to based on only a s/n, unless some specific data has surfaced recently. One of the firearm bibles by Jan Still does not have that info.

I think anyone that claims to know this information is only guessing, unless they have some specific data to back it up with. Not saying it doesn't exist, just saying I haven't seen it, as the latest firearms references I have date back a couple of decades (even though they're good ones.

Best regards,

J-

[Rylan]

No you're not going to find out who it was issued to, Soldbucher often have the s/n recorded in it, but unless you happen to have a matching pair you're out of luck... now wouldn't that be cool, a pistol and soldbuch from the same person!

[Don Prince]

Hi Jason,

Here are the photos of my Luger with gold straw as promised... Does anybody have any idea as to what value to put on my Luger for insurance?

Regards,
Don_

[Don Prince]

additional photos...

[Don Prince]

Additional photos...

[Don Prince]

More...

[Don Prince]

My last photo....

[Death-Ace]

Neat looking trim! In the terms of us modern "kids," that pistol's pimp! Do you know who did the work?

Nice P.08!
Lev

[JasonA]

Hey Don,

Value is tricky. First it's been reblued, then it's been highlighted with that trim. Maybe a grand if you're lucky?

I'd like to hear what others weigh in with. I typically gloss over these types of reblued guns since it's not what I collect, so I could be off.

J-

[Norman Hamilton]

nice pistol. Nicely done filigree....

[Douglas Jr.]

Well, for most of collector's your gun is considered as a shooter, no matter how good is the gold inlaid work. The gun was reblued and touched up after the war, and for the collectors authenticity is everything. So, its value was hit hard. You will need to find the "right" buyer in order to have a good deal - maybe someone who is looking for something to draw the attention at the range.

All the best,
Douglas

[Don Prince]

Gentlemen,

Thanks to all for your opinion... As with all of my collected items, they will not be for sale. I have had this Luger for well over 25 years and have grown very attached to it with the glamorized look. I do not know who did the Gold Straw work; it was purchased from an individual in Yorkville, Ohio, which is about 6 miles north of Wheeling, W.Va.

Kind Regards,
Don_