Recent Find - P.08 (S/42 1939 #4791o)

[Alan Smith]

Here is a P.08 that I found over the summer. Actually, the P.08 sort of found me; I got a call "out of the blue" from a local gunshop that I had left my business card with (about 2 years ago), asking them to call me if any WWI or WWII military firearms came in. I was really busy at work when the gunshop called and, assuming that it would be yet another ratty condition 1920 Commercial, I almost did not go look at it (but I'm glad that I did).

Nothing spectacular, but just a nice, clean example of a WWII military issue Luger pistol. I really like the holster that came with it.

Not much history on this one; the seller (who brought it into the gunshop) said that he "bought it off an old veteran years before" and was now ready to sell.

[Alan Smith]

Photo 2

[Alan Smith]

Photo 3

[Alan Smith]

Holster wear in one of the usual spots.

[Alan Smith]

Holster wear on the sideplate, as well as some wear on the left of the receiver from firing.

[Alan Smith]

All numbers match, except for the magazine.

[Alan Smith]

Serial number on the frame.

[Alan Smith]

More wear from firing.

[Alan Smith]

Wear to rear of frame, caused by impact of toggle during firing.

[Alan Smith]

Overview of top of receiver and toggle assembly.

[Alan Smith]

View showing the rear of the holster, with U.S. M1910 belt loop that has been inserted into the German belt loops, so as to facilitate the holster being worn on a U.S. issue combat belt.

I really like this feature; to me it gives the impression that this P.08 is a souvenir that an infantry "ground pounder" picked up along his unit's route, put on his belt, then carried it along with him for the remainder of the war.

[Alan Smith]

Another view of the G.I.'s in-the-field modification of the German holster.

[Alan Smith]

Close-up of maker's marks on the holster.

[Alan Smith]

Ok - I'll end the photos with a view that gives an accurate depiction of the condition of the right side of the pistol, including modest holster wear.

I hope that everyone enjoyed the photos.

[rajko84]

Very nice