Luger and P.38 question.

[Andy Van...]

Were all Luger's and P.38's originally made with at least 1 or 2 numbered magazines?

[Johnny Peppers]

Were all Luger's and P.38's originally made with at least 1 or 2 numbered magazines?

A very simple question that would require a very complicated answer. Basically, the P.38 beginning with the Zero series had two serial numbers magazines, but this lasted only into 1941 when the magazine serial number was discontinued.

Pre WWI Luger magazines were not generally serial numbered, but there are exceptions, and generally post WWI Luger magazines are numbered.

Beginning with the military Navy and P.08, the magazines were serial numbered to the pistol, and two magazines were the most common. The late production Bakelite bottom P.08 magazines were not serial numbered, but exceptions are known.

Some military and police pistols are known with three numbered magazines.

The above is probably full of exceptions, but there is no way of answering the question briefly and accurately. This is where it is invaluable to have a comprehensive library to rely on as the individual questions relating to this come up.

[leondes]

Hi Johnny,

Walther numbered their mags until the end of the "c" block of 1942. I am not a major Luger collector but have been told by those who are that Third Reich Mauser Lugers had 2 matching mags until 1942 when they discontinued serial numbering mags.

Regards, Leon

[Johnny Peppers]

Leon,
Should have caught the date on the P.38, but I guess it looked right when I typed it.

As to the late P.08 magazine, the practice of numbering them had virtually stopped by 1942, but what appear to be original examples are know with serial numbered magazines.
That was one of the things what made the question so simple to ask, but very complex to answer.

[leondes]

Hi Johnny,

Yes, that was a tough question to answer in 1000 words or less. There are lots of exceptions.

John Pearson wrote an article in Auto Mag a long time ago and said that he had never seen a byf42 Luger with a correct matched numbered magazine. He wrote that if you have or see one, to compare the letter suffix font on the Luger to the font on the magazine. He said they should match, exactly. I have pretty much found that to be true but I certainly haven't seen everything so there could be some correct exceptions.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Regards, Leon