*German, WW2, Luger P.08 Long Barrel, “byf” Mauser Manufacture, Dated 1942, Matching Numbers, Holster & Tools, Deactivated*
An exceptional WW2 German Luger P.08 pistol, long-barrel “Artillery” pattern, manufactured by Mauser Oberndorf in 1942 under the wartime factory code “byf”. Chamber dated 42 and bearing clear Waffenamt 135 acceptance stamps, this pistol represents a scarce late-war issue of the iconic long-barrelled P.08. All visible serial numbers are matching 1164 / 64, including frame, barrel, toggle, sideplate, safety, and trigger components – a highly desirable feature that greatly enhances collectability.
Chambered in 9mm Parabellum, the pistol retains an excellent original finish with attractive fire-tempered small parts showing vivid heat tones. Birmingham Proof House “BNP” and EU/GB deactivation stamps confirm it has been legally deactivated to UK/EU specification, with the action cycling smoothly on dry-fire and the magazine inserting and releasing correctly (non-firing). The fitted magazine is a correct wartime nickel-bodied example with wooden base, numbered 225 – entirely consistent with the realities of front-line service where magazines were often interchanged.
The pistol is accompanied by its wartime black leather hard-shell holster, complete and supple, with only honest service wear commensurate with age. Inside, the original wood-handled cleaning rod and loading/takedown tool are present in their correct pouches, making this a particularly complete and desirable set.
A rare opportunity to acquire a matching-numbers, Waffenamt-stamped, long-barrel byf 42 artillery Luger, complete with holster and accessories – an exceptional collector’s ensemble and among the most sought-after configurations of the German P.08.
Historical Note:
The Luger P.08 was the standard German service pistol until gradually superseded by the Walther P.38 from 1940 onwards. While most wartime Lugers were produced in the standard 4-inch configuration, the long-barrel “Artillery” model (Lange Pistole 08) was far scarcer in WW2. Originally developed in WW1 for artillery crews and stormtroopers, the longer-barrelled variant offered greater accuracy and could be fitted with a shoulder stock for carbine-like performance.
By 1942, the long-barrel Lugers were no longer standard issue, but they still saw selective service with Wehrmacht and SS personnel, valued for their accuracy, balance, and association with elite troops. Bearing Mauser’s “byf” code and the chamber date 42, this pistol sits squarely within the heart of wartime production. The presence of the Waffenamt 135 inspector’s mark, correct for Mauser contracts from 1939–42, confirms its status as a genuine, military-accepted sidearm of the Third Reich.
The survival of a fully military-accepted byf 42 artillery model — complete with holster and accessories — represents a rare collector opportunity, combining the appeal of a matching-numbers service pistol with the prestige of the sought-after long-barrel variant.
*Condition*
This Luger P.08 is presented in excellent overall condition for its age, retaining much of its wartime blue finish with only light wear to the high points and edges. The small parts still show traces of their original straw and heat-toned colours, while all visible numbers match across frame, barrel, toggle, sideplate, and trigger components. The walnut grips are original, with fine checkering that remains sharp and without significant chips or cracks. The magazine shows expected service use but remains complete and functional for insertion and release. Deactivation markings are neatly applied, and Birmingham Proof House stamps are clear. The accompanying leather holster remains supple, showing honest wear, surface scuffs, and some creasing but no structural damage, with stitching intact throughout. The closure strap is worn but complete, and the internal pouches correctly retain the original loading tool and wood-handled cleaning rod. Overall, this is a very well-preserved, matching-numbers WW2 Luger with desirable accessories, commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMBEOOCEOO_1236211875
