U-Boat Capture Black Widow Luger, Sauer 38h, & Colt Commando!

Published on October 15, 2021
Duration: 31:55

This video showcases three distinct firearms with historical significance: a Sauer 38h with its capture papers, a Colt Commando that never saw military service, and a Luger byf-41 reportedly captured from a U-boat. The presenter details the history, markings, and operational features of each, including the Sauer 38h's decocker and the Luger's matching serial numbers. The video also touches upon the provenance of these firearms, emphasizing the stories behind their acquisition and ownership.

Quick Summary

The Sauer 38h, designed to compete with the Walther PPK, features a decocker and police markings. The 'h' signifies 'Heer' (Army). Rare variants like the Eagle F marking are noted, and capture papers should ideally not be laminated for preservation.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction: Three Historic Firearms
  2. 01:14Sauer 38h: History and Capture Papers
  3. 03:03Sauer 38h: Features and Disassembly
  4. 07:04Melvin O'Keefe's Story: Sauer 38h Acquisition
  5. 09:26Colt Commando: A Sheriff's Service Revolver
  6. 11:28Colt Commando: Features and Hazen Christ's Story
  7. 15:50Luger byf-41: The U-Boat Capture Story
  8. 19:44Luger byf-41: Condition and Holster
  9. 21:24Luger byf-41: Mauser Factory Code and Markings
  10. 23:15Theater Alan Coney: Luger Capture and Registration
  11. 25:04Theodore Coney's Account of U-889 Surrender
  12. 29:24U-889 and Captain Friedrich Brücker
  13. 31:30Conclusion and Upcoming Content

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the 'h' in Sauer 38h?

The 'h' in Sauer 38h stands for 'Heer,' which is German for Army. This designation indicates its intended service branch, differentiating it from other potential variants or police models.

How was the Colt Commando used if it wasn't issued to the military?

The Colt Commando discussed was shipped directly to the Sheriff of Knoxville, Tennessee, in September 1943. This was during WWII, and such revolvers were sometimes issued to law enforcement or government facilities for security purposes.

Why is the Luger byf-41 sometimes called a 'Black Widow'?

The 'Black Widow' moniker is more of a marketing term and often mistakenly associated with SS use. In reality, the byf-41 Luger was primarily issued to the German Army and Luftwaffe, though some were also supplied to the Navy.

What is the advice regarding preserving capture papers?

It is advised not to laminate capture papers. Lamination can damage the original document over time and is often disliked by serious collectors. Archival sleeves or protective holders are recommended alternatives for preservation.

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