WW2 Luger P.08 Made From Armorer's Replacement Parts

In this video, we show you two rare, WW2 German Lugers that were made of field replacement parts. A truck would show up to the battlefield with a bunch of replacement parts so they could fix the guns. These guns are a little hard to spot, but they are characterized by small parts marked with a "42" or "S/42". Most people will see this and think the gun is mismatched, but after watching this video, YOU know better!

[@Stevarooni]

That apocryphal story from when I was in the Navy was that some sailor put together requisitions for all of the component parts of a complete nuclear reactor, and it wasn't noticed through several reviews until it hit the desk of the Engineering Officer.

[@mattmcmullen1145]

The rare vinyl holster. Super neat piece! I’m sure not many survived the war. Love your channel.

[@brianwebb6913]

@Legacy Collectibles The helmet is from Hans Plesch, the PPK holster is plastic, the glass is from the Zella Mellis factory, the knife is "trench knife" believed to have been made in Australia, based on the Everett pattern.

[@LegacyCollectibles]

OMG Brian. You are a rock star !! You got them all right. The Australian commando knife is really rare. Once the Aussie's wake up we should here from them about that one.

[@remko1238]

.. not fair Brian: you are fast and super smart 🙄

[@johnthompson960]

Glad I came across your videos. I have a Luger that has been re-stamped to match serial numbers and your videos have helped to pinpoint the origin of my pistol. It is 1938 stamped and has eagles with upswept wings, crown, and U on side of the slide. It is easy to disassemble and everything fits right back together.

[@davidabell9358]

Tom, I love those Luger video's as they are so interesting.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I bought a Luger 10 years ago at the Las Vegas Arms and Armor Show. This had no serial number at all on all the parts with the exception of a 4 on the stirrup link. The toggle bar has a pre-WWII commercial scripted DWM roll mark and no numbers on the toggle assembly to include the firing pin. The extractor has the usual GELADEN on the left side, the frame has the normal GESICHERT. The frame once again no numbers other than above the side plate was marked MADE IN GERMANY and no import marks. I bought it for $300.00 and it was tagged as a "Lunch Box". Meaning it was made from un numbered parts and put together. I believe that mines had been assembled after WWII either in the 1950s or 60s and imported into the US with no serial numbers other than where it came from. It was completely legal before the Gun Control Act of 1968 that guns with no serial numbers either made here in the US or from somewhere else. I had once an Ithica .22 LR Model 49 single shot lever action carbine with no serial number made before 1968. I figure my Luger with no serial number is really of no value to the collector other than a shooter. The gun is not worn out and the springs are very strong. I only shot it with a hundred rounds through it in 10 years. I just bought it because it was interesting and I would never fire my other Luger which is a G.I. bring back all matching BYF 1941.

[@hermittao]

I recently purchased a Luger for shooting; unblued, no serial number. The only marking was DWF. I was told that this was a "Lunch Box Luger", put together by a factory worker from parts taken from the factory. This explained the problem I had inserting certain magazines. A drimiltool fixed problem by removing a rough spot inside the magazine well.

[@kenibnanak5554]

What determines how easily the take down bolt latch of a Luger pivots is the diameter of the take down latch spring underneath. At 0.051" the fit will be tight. At 0.48" the take down latch is more easily moved by hand. At 0.045" it is perhaps a little too loose in the gun and prone to being lost at a field strip. Also the carved out portion of that spring changed in depth throughout the manufacturing history of the gun. With some blue prints showing it at .75 degrees and others at 60 degrees. The spring is not easily removed, but if it is, losing it becomes very easy. Also sometimes the thin wire spring broke, especially if the area got wet and wasn't dried out and the spring rusted.. I would imagine many Lugers with stiff take down latches have not original take down latch springs. I would also imagine armorers replacing a lost latch spring probably didn't care if the new one was a tight fit.

[@kenibnanak5554]

After the war France seized a bunch of P38 and Luger parts and some Mauser workers, brought everything to Manhurin and put together several thousand guns at their Manhurin location. Some went to the French Gendarmes, others, who knows. This could be one of those. There were a whole bunch of them (especially the P38s) imported and sold in the US back in the 1980s.

[@kenibnanak5554]

Adding, I have put together parts Lugers. Erfurt frames with DWM or Vickers toggles, etc. and yes hand fitting is often a good idea. Not just the side plates, but trigger bars, firing pins, etc for the novelty of it. They work perfectly by the way. Several years ago there was a bunch of blank side plates, magazine release springs, front toggle extensions imported from China and also sources of numbering stamps of the correct size, counterfeit proof stamps, etc. One should be very cautious about provenance when buying a Luger collectable.

[@additudeobx]

Another great knowledge filled video. Thanks!

[@danisaladiesman]

Love the blue glass from the Walther factory on that shelf! I was right it does look great !

[@MGB-learning]

Outstanding video and presentation.

[@kenibnanak5554]

It is my understanding that after the war France got a lot of what was left at Mauser, moved it and some of the workers to Manhurin and using parts they found at Mauser built a whole bunch of P38s (Grey Ghosts) and a few hundred Lugers which they issued to their Gendarmes and the like (FFL too probably). Later in the 80s a lot of those were floating around in Shotgun News. I don't know for sure of course, but I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of the Lugers France put together from left overs used ordnance spare parts. Every now and then someone in China or somewhere supplies SARCO & IMA with some Luger parts, some of new manufacture, sideplates, firing pins, mag release springs, grips, etc. The ones I have tried more or less fit. I have built a few mix and match Lugers (S/42s on a DWM or Erfurt frame, Vickers toggle on a Mauser frame, etc) as shooters and have thoughts on the fittings. Tuning forks that are tight, one can bend them out (or in if need be). Usually though there is no need. Toggle pins, the spring wire kits Brownells sells has wires pretty close to the proper diameter. The repro sideplates can be a nuisance as several I have seen have L levers that are just a hair too short. It is an easy enough piece to make however. Sideplates that are too tight can be stoned down and a dab of cold blue hides that. I find when I put together toggle assemblies I have to be careful on the firing pins. More than once I have put one together that seems okay, but the gun won't fire because the firing pin doesn't protrude. Some careful sanding is then indicated. Very strange.

[@remko1238]

Never a dull moment with a LC Luger

[@828enigma6]

The Germans were so good at keeping records, there's probably are order somewhere in the Army archives telling the armorers to assemble their remaining parts into functional weapons. Finding the records would be problematic.

[@historysmith9597]

Great video I never new unmarked parts were armor parts I though they were factory rejects or something. Blue Glass is from my top 3 favorite videos you did on the Walther factory. I'd love to see more factories Berlin-Lubecker perhaps. The vinyl holster was mentioned below The helmet I don't remember I guess that mean re-run time (not that I'm complaining). The trench knife is cool but I'm too lazy to look up, I look forward to the video. Thank you once more

[@digdtom]

Another great one

[@bobcullum]

Another great video. I did cringe when I saw that table full of un-numbered parts, but I know you figured it out in the end

[@jgomezazuero]

Gracias Tom increíble video como siempre!!!!!!

[@leonardjanda6181]

The holster is very Brittle that’s all I remember , great 👍 videos 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@oldschoolpaulie]

A former neighbor, (Moved in across the street from my parents in about '82) is terminal with cancer and considering liquidating some firearms for funds. He is offering a Luger P08 he is representing as a "lunchbox special," with no serial numbers. He is a totally trustworthy guy who, if the pistol is not legit- was duped himself. I believe the story is that the gun was brought back by either his father or his father-in-law after serving in the European theater during WWII. I'm curious as to its worth and whether its even legal to own without serial numbers. A few guys on a collector's group I posted about it on in facebook are saying they'd stay away from it due to the lack of numbers.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Its perfectly fine. I've bought and sold many. Even discussed with ATF. If it never had a serial it is legal. but it is illegal to remove the serial.

[@kurtb2522]

Fascinating! Thank you. Kurt

[@mabbrey]

brilliant vid tom

[@larrybear238]

Keep up the good work Tom

[@philippkuhlmeyer9760]

1:04min. That’s the glass Walther banner a GI brought back from the old walther factory in Zella-Mehlis Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 your videos are great and interesting 👍🏼

[@GUNTHER-lx6vu]

Beautiful pistols

[@rocco74superhuman45]

Good Luck to putting back together Sir! ;-)

[@BigLisaFan]

Bought a 1914 DWM Luger. Really nice, all matching. I think it was possessed because shortly after receiving it, I ran into a terrible streak of bad luck. Cat got sick, my work truck broke down twice and was off the road for 3 weeks, lost a few days off work so half pay for 3 weeks. Gave the thing away and everything was restored to normal. I had heard they can bring bad luck. That one sure did.

[@colesaballos2113]

Great vid

[@robertdeen8741]

The only item I know for sure is the green glass that was part of the Mauser sign at the factory.

[@LegacyCollectibles]

Good on you !! but it was the Walther factory. Close enough

[@mfreund15448]

Holster is early plastic, blue glass is from Luger factory, brought back from the war.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!!!!

[@craigkaschan4822]

The Australian trench knife is so rare because our politicians are shit scared of guns and knives they had them all destroyed. It won’t be long before we have a knife amnesty. Then we will be only allowed to use plastic knives and forks. Love your videos always learn something being a Luger lover. I could probably get 15-20 just because of that. God bless America.

[@TOMAS-lh4er]

I LOVE THE LUGARS , Its almost hard to keep watching your reviews , because you show so many, and I won't ever afford one !! BUT !! I will keep watching ! FYI , There is only one other gun channel that also reviews amazing guns on KZbin ( Forgotten Weapons ) You would really enjoy that one I'm sure !! thanks as always , God bless

[@LegacyCollectibles]

Thanks for watching. Yes, I have been a subscriber to Forgotten Weapons for years. He is the one who inspired me to do my own.

[@motor4027]

I have a 1917 p08. toms gonna tell me to shut up cause i keep hammering him with questions about it and he always diligently answers. anyways keep out hope! they are so much fun to have. The history and the joy of just holding it is worth the money I swear.

[@edwardtinker4406]

@@motor4027 buy some books - folks love to help, but every collecgtor should have some good luger books

[@motor4027]

@@edwardtinker4406 Yeah, thanks

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@LegacyCollectibles while you're here, lol... I wanted to say thanks. Ian reviewed a few fine relics he said came from your way. I was pleased when he gave you a shout out because I already knew your channel well. It's a great thing what Ian is doing. Often it's museums or people like yourself that are providing him such significant items to teach about and document. It's all a blessing. What a great community we have.

[@aarongeisler]

I have one of these and always wondered about it.

[@charlesdemay4192]

I LOVE LUGERS, THEY ARE SO BEAUTIFUL AND THEY ARE NOT CUSTOM PISTOLS. I was lucky and had 3 Lugers (WWI bring back, WWII Russian capture and a Original Mauser made in the 1960's. I lost my REAL JOB in 2008 and had to sell most of my toys including the 3 Lugers. I was REALLY BUMMED OUT. About 5 years ago I picked up on what might be a Armour's pistol? No serial number under the barrel on the frame or on the side, 1940 on the barrel extension, DWM toggle, 42 on the other toggle part, WWI FRAME (SIMPSON MARKED), new grips and barrel not nuumbered most of the small part numbers matched the frame, Erfurt side plate and unnumbered safety that needs fitting. The main spring was incorrect band and the striker spring was weak. Someone stuck a piece of crap mag, probably sold it separately. I replaced the springs with Wolff springs and a Mec-Gar mag. It SHOOTS AND FUNCTIONS LIKE A NEW PISTOL, IT'S A KEEPER. I'M VERY HAPPY AGAIN. By the way what might it be worth even though I doubt I will EVER SELL IT.🤔😁😉😎

[@grumpyoldfart1945]

Thanks Tom, for another interesting and informative video. BTW, was the last trivia item that you held up, a U.S. 1918 (?) Trench Knife?

[@ikwer111]

The fact that these guns are so "tight" may also have to do with not having been fired very much.. Ordinary production guns generally saw more use and loosened up from shooting. Most firing was done in training and not in conflict..

[@haroldgodwinson832]

I suspect these 'parts guns' were probably put together quite late in the war, in all probability in '45; when armament shortages were really becoming acute. The fact that the two pistols are in such pristine condition suggests they were put together so late in the war that they were never actually issued.

[@rossvanderpoel3907]

So now the question is,...what would or what does a Replacement Luger go for?

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

$2500 - $3000 I think

[@michaelfitzell2741]

The knife looks like a WW1 trench knife.

[@evatmmeras7339]

I am slightly worried about my own Luger, the barrel and slide was replaced at some point but it just *doesn't* fit together and I'm just to afraid to test fire it incase it explodes. It simply doesn't react when i press the trigger, any suggestions?

[@bluebluerailroad5664]

the lighting needs some attention with this new set up

[@dwightadams3853]

When would the serial numbers and proofs be applied during the manufacturing process?

[@triggerman1092]

What do you use to keep your gun finishes from rusting or damaged

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

Rub down with gun oil and then wrap in cellophane.

[@tiredlawdog]

Years ago, I traded my German officer's hat for a German Lugar. I remember it had a 1940 frame and the toggle was marked 42. There was what I was told a lot of blood etching on the weapon. I mistakenly thought it was of mixed parts. After watching your video, it gives me a little more insight. The major problem is I have no idea what happened to the pistol. For years I thought it was in my safe, but now it can not be located anywhere.

[@celeiroacampamento9881]

Maravilhosas

[@solstar4778]

Question when made from all replaceable parts does it have a serial number?

[@ahmet42selim65]

A luger drum mag is added is see

[@jeepgeek1]

That is an Everett trench knife. Not that rare...... I have five of them but I collect knuckle knives. Yours looks like it is in great shape as is the correct scabbard. Another great video!

[@Teleman01]

I was looking at buying the BW you had on the video! But I guess it sold ((

[@Franky46Boy]

@Legacy Collectibles , why don't you do the KNIL Lugers? KNIL is the royal colonial army of the Dutch East Indies. The KNIL was one of the first military users of the 9 mm Luger. Because of Versailles Treaty, in the 1920's they had to order their replacement Lugers from Vickers in Great Britain who made a large number from parts kits of DWM. Captured KNIL Lugers showed up in the hands of Japanese officers (for instance at Guadalcanal) and in hands of NVA or Vietcong during the Vietnam War. I found this text for a KNIL Luger in the collection of the Military Museum in Soesterberg (Netherlands): The M.11, also known as the Parabellum (type Luger), was the most commonly used handgun of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (RNEIA) between 1912 and 1942. Two different suppliers, Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) from Berlin and Vickers Ltd from England, provided some 14,000 guns. This particular copy has a Vickers frame and a DWM knee joint and was produced between 1919 and 1928 in England. It is an 8-shot semi-automatic centre fire pistol in 9 mm parabellum. This gun was used by officers, non-commissioned officers, personnel of the military veterinary service, the topographic service, quartermasters, mechanics and pilots of the KNIL. Most M.11 guns had a copper corps tag, weapon number and pistols date, with the exception of loaned guns, which had to be returned after service or after translocation. The tag changed from L.A. (‘luchtvaartafdeling’, aviation department) to M.L (‘militaire luchtvaart’, military air force). This particular gun has the inscription M.L. And 11, referring to weapon no. 11 of the military air force of Andir, a large military airbase on Java.

[@thomaswhiteman4261]

If I get one in, I will. Thanks

[@Franky46Boy]

@@thomaswhiteman4261 Vickers Lugers were today on 'Forgotten Weapons'! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZvcqZh7fauAitk

[@kurtovesen2975]

thank you for another great video on lugers. i have a mint 1939 dated s/42 ,with the serial nr 9283 n. it has matching numbers on the parts. unfortunatley not the magazines .but the take down lever is super hard to move .the rest of the gun has realy smut moving parts. on this gun all the small parts is black.ore blued .what ewer one will call them .it has werry little use ,so i dont shoot it often. great gun but the sights on the luger is realy bad. i have had manny different guns ,shoot in a gun club.but man the sights on the luger is bad.it the only thing i dont like with the luger.

[@jeramyw]

Supposedly, my great grandfather picked up a Luger off of a Japanese officer that had a mortar stuck in his gut. I've been told it had no markings and had a lot of milling marks. Would it be a last ditch Luger and why would a Japanese officer have it? I've never seen it and my father hasn't seen it in decades, so I don't know the legitimacy of these claims.

[@r0ast5_61]

Maybe a nambu ?

[@jeramyw]

@@r0ast5_61 That's what I was thinking, but I can't verify it.

[@jacksonthompson7099]

@@jeramyw i would say it was a nambu since later in the war many of the namby pistols had machining marks pretty bad versus early war nambu pistols, i'm sure you can find a 1944 or 1945 nambus for sale somewhere on gunbroker and see the machining marks.

[@yeedbottomtext7563]

@@jeramyw either nambu or a small chance he picked it up as war loot fighting in China

[@Bearlake1624]

I have a old Luger numbers are mismatched but there are no importer mark anywhere so I wonder if it was put together from parts It does however work very good .

[@edwardtinker4406]

After WW1 and also WW2 - commercial companies used parts and guns, scrubbed them and sold them overseas, mostly to the USA

[@hindsight2022]

Can i ask what you paid for the auction model ?

[@diggLincoln]

You should do a giveaway!

[@TrainTracker911]

Americans are so fortunate to have a constitution (2nd Amendment) that protects citizens' right to have firearms, switchblades, etc. Not so in Canada.

[@dnf7778]

Yeah I hear you buddy. Best regards from Ontario

[@motor4027]

@@dnf7778 haha. so sorry guys

[@mikes1345]

Never saw and instance where switchblades fell under our second amendment. They are prohibited in numerous states. Interesting thought though.

[@detektivejarvisfuckyt]

But the number of deaths due to firearms per person is lower in Canada than in the us. I wonder whats the reason? www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/canada-gun-facts-crime-accidental-shootings-suicides-1.4803378 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firearm_death_rates_in_the_United_States_by_state

[@detektivejarvisfuckyt]

(2.2 per 100.000 in Canada and 11.8 in the USA)

[@BeachsideHank]

Hey, I got a Luftwaffe dagger I'll trade for one of those Lugers- I'm told it belonged to Göring.☺

[@mrhamburger6936]

So before you buy one of one of these better take it apart and see how he good it fits

[@LegacyCollectibles]

Correct

[@JJ-qo3cz]

The knife 🔪 is a World War 1 trench knife.

[@OtherTimDavis]

Please bring back the Navy sign.