BYF 41, all matching luger help?

[Franz20]

Hello All!

I have recently acquired an all matching BYF, 41 dated luger.



Now, the story is that this gun was a bringback and was nickel plated almost immediately.


I used a Caswell Nickel stripper, which worked partially. So expressing my animosity for nickel, I vigorously scrubbed the frame with a piece of steel wool. I then noticed that the yellowish nickel finish has turned a dark grey-ish color. I began to continue until the whole gun was grey, looking closely at the last traces of nickel, I noticed that I had revealed what seems to be remnants of the original finish.

The serial is 2291, byf 41.

My question is, can I trace this pistol? Can anyone tell me more about the pistol? I know that it's 9mm, German etc. I am seeking information in regards to tracking the origin of this pistol.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...6/IMG_1177.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...6/IMG_1176.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...6/IMG_1175.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...6/IMG_1174.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...6/IMG_1173.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...6/IMG_1172.jpg



Thank you all!

Frank

[Richie B]

Frank

byf was a code used by Mauser. The code was introduced in early 1941 and was designed to disguise the manufacturer.

Serial numbers were issued in blocks 0001 - 9999 and then 0001a - 9999a and so on.

As yours does not have a letter suffix, I would presume it was made early in 1941.

The small stamps Eagle/655 on the front right of the receiver are inspector's stamps

Whilst I'm sure there were records of the issue of these pistols, as far as I am aware they no longer exist - unless of course they are locked away in a Russian archive somewhere.

Hope that helps a little.

Regards

Richie

... and welcome to the Forum

[Wagriff]

As Richie said, About the best you can hope for in tracing, is the year of manufacture. Many people have had the same question-Are there any records of what unit this gun was issued to and even what soldier it was issued to as well? Unfortunately, nope. No such numbers lists etc exist today-if they ever did, which is questionable in itself.

[mauser9]

Yep. Code BYF for Mauser. Unfortunately someone turned a $1500 Luger into a $500 gun by having to mess with it for some reason or another. I will compliment you on attempts to bring it back by removing the nickel finish as it looks like you did a pretty good job. Hope you got it for a good price and hold onto it as they keep increasing in value. All matching is a plus.

[Franz20]

I actually traded for a mismatch CMP M1 garand (Retailed for $550.00 when I bought it). I find a luger more collectible than an M1 garand for myself.

Thanks for the replies Gentlemen!

Frank

[Mikel]

You took a semi collectable piece and really screwed it up.
Plating them was a common GI practice.
They go for $600+ You now have a trashy looking $500 shooter.

[Franz20]

Not really, the nickel was flaking around the barrel and rear receiver. I took it to a local Luger collector who offered me $900.00 for it. So I know I did the right thing to by ridding that nickel plating. Thanks though.

Franz