Lugers Made After 1942

Published on August 20, 2024
Duration: 0:50

This video, presented by Tom Whiteman of Legacy Collectibles, addresses the misconception that Luger production ended in 1942. It provides an expert-level overview of late-war Lugers, focusing on identifying Mauser 'Black Widow' variants and Krieghoff production from 1943-1945. The authoritative tone and detailed knowledge of factory codes and historical variants highlight high expertise.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis reveals that Luger production continued after 1942, primarily by Krieghoff, with Mauser ceasing their output that year. Key identifiers include the 'byf' code for Mauser and distinct toggle markings for Krieghoff, distinguishing models like the 'Black Widow' from later war variants.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Late-War Lugers
  2. 00:09Mauser Production and the Black Widow
  3. 00:21Krieghoff Lugers (1943-1944)
  4. 00:39The 1945 Controversy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the 'byf' code on a Luger pistol?

The 'byf' code on a Luger pistol signifies that it was manufactured by the Mauser factory. This code is crucial for identifying the manufacturer, especially when examining Lugers produced during World War II.

Which manufacturer produced Lugers after 1942?

After Mauser ceased Luger production in 1942 to focus on the P38, Krieghoff took over production. They manufactured Lugers dated 1943, 1944, and controversially, 1945.

How can one identify a Krieghoff Luger from a Mauser Luger?

Krieghoff Lugers can be identified by their specific toggle markings, often featuring the 'Krieghoff Suhl' logo and an anchor proof mark, which differ from the markings found on Mauser-produced Lugers.

What is the 'Black Widow' Luger?

The 'Black Widow' Luger is a nickname for the Mauser Luger produced in 1942, which was the final year Mauser manufactured this model before re-tooling for the P38 pistol.

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