SOLD - Rare "BYF 42" Masuer Luger Rig - Portuguese Contract

Description

5/6/22 - This is a very nice example of of a rare 1942 Mauser Luger Rig with an interesting history. The following information is from the Mauser Parabellum by Joop van de Kant and Don Hallock: "It is believed that the German Army was the seller of the last batch of 42 byf Luger pistols to the Portuguese Military. The pistols are Military accepted (E/135) and Eagle test proofed; they were produced by Mauser in August - September 1942, just before the mass production was halted in favor of the succeeding P.38. The pistols of all earlier foreign contracts have commercial proofs; it seems obvious that Mauser was not informed about the destination of this lot until the Waffenamt indicated that they had to go to Portugal. We know that the delivery took place in January 1943. SN's reported: Lowest 209m, Highest 5237m. Of the nine pistols that I could examine personally, four had a phosphate finish." So, it is believed that of the 5,000 or so that went to Portugal, only about half were phosphate. This one is blued. It is all matching and comes as a rig with a mismatched magazine, cleaning rod, un-marked Luger tool, and a rare Portuguese holster that is numbered but not matching to the gun. The gun has retained roughly 85% of its original finish. There is wear around the muzzle, on the side plate, and on the side rails. Spotty wear along the barrel, left side of the frame, and on the grip straps. The left side rail has a series of tiny dings. Brown patina on the straps. Comes with excellent Waffen-proofed but un-numbered wood grips. The bore has good rifling, but there is minor freckling throughout.