Dan,
* Ho Boy!! A trip into Luger transition land.
* Much of the following comes from the research, discussions, and conclusions gleaned from correspondence(s) provided by Forum member Don H.(SilverEagle29). Don's quotes, below, can be read in DRH's AutoMag post of April, 2000, Vol.XXXIII-Issue 1, Pg.19. Luger variation S/N ranges are from Jan Still's
Third Reich Lugers", Pg. 65-66.
quote:The "P.08" marking on the left side of the frame is found on ALL 1941 and 1942 Lugers, including the 41, code 42 models.
* The above thread statement is only partially correct. The problem is with the word "ALL" I believe.
* The accepted
S/N range for the '41/Code 42 is S/N 2500n to 6700r. About a 44,500 pistol range. In
TRL, Jan advances an estimate for '41/42 code accepted assemblies as 7000 pistols. Stated also, the 1940/42 Code range is 7700z to 7000n. The '41/byf range is 3300n-9950a. Notice the overlap in the "n" block.
* From S/N reports, most of the "n" block are 1940/42 coded pistols. The '41/42 coded pistols tend to dominate the "o" block. Then, the '41/byf coded pistols prevail thereafter. This was not a discreet change over at a specific S/N or block; but, rather a transition. All three combinations, in varying quantity, can be found bearing the same
block letter</u> and are still correct within this limited(approx. "n" to maybe as late as "r") transition range.
* I'm told, the "byf" code change, for whatever reason, could not/was not fully implemented on 1/1/41. It was not until Feb., 1941 that this code change took full effect.
* Okay so far??
* Now, intermixed into the above shuffle was an additional new marking requirement wherein the frames produced in 1941 were to have a "P.08" stamped into the left frame's vertical flat panel, approximately below the left toggle knob and above the left grip. Why? My WAG says maybe for the same reason holster began to receive the P.08 marking. Identification! The introduction of the P.38 by Walther as an Army standard sidearm must have caused some confusion in the ranks. I doubt a P.38 receiver/barrel would mate to a P.08 frame; but, you never know who might try!!
* Anyway, Mauser was allowed to recoup/use-up frames, toggles, and receiver components already produced, despite their markings, within this band of codes/dates we are discussing in the first couple of months of 1941. Mauser, after all, was a business for profit. Might have had something to do with heavy Army mobilization & WWII starting on a massive scale too.
* So, to quote Don: "We find the '41/42 Lugers were an unscheduled event. They were made up from left over 1940-42 parts and the new '41/byf parts. The very early '41/42 code "n" block pistols will not have the "P.08" mark on the left frame panel. They are usually found between 2600n and 3200n. This '41/42 code, without the P.08 mark is a very desirable addition to any Luger collection".
* Consequently, Dan, your '41/42 code bearing S/N 2716n without a "P.08" frame mark presently falls within the generally accepted S/N range of this sub-variation. It is likely correct for, at least, this one aspect.
* As a point for conjecture: Later S/N reports, since the time of Jan's TRL, have suggested the possiblity</u> of '41/42 code accepted assemblies reaching 16,000 pistols. This based on ratio's & extrapolations of these 3 main variations reported within each S/N block spanning this transition period. What are today's thoughts on the '41/42 code reaching 16,000 estimated accepted assemblies?? Fresh insights or corroboration, with cited sources, are appreciated.
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