HELP! Almost matching 1939 Luftwaffe Mauser: need help identifying part
- Thread starter Basesloaded1927
- Start date
Basesloaded1927
Member
Ugh! Almost perfect? 1939 L Sauer with Astrawerke lower band? Original or replacement part? Astrawerke did supply parts to Sauer? Thoughts?
Astrawerke did supply parts to JPS, though a band not likely, especially in 1939... there are reports of such bands (RB) in JPS/40, but JPS made the vast majority of their own bands, most marked e/37 (for Suhl region firms) but mid-war bands typically lack acceptance... real test is whether it was serialed.
Basesloaded1927
Member
Do you mean numbered? The band is not numbered. My initial research indicates that the band appears to be late 30s, early 40s. There is no evidence that any numbers were filed off. The collector I purchased it from maintains it was in his collection for 50 years. He is 82. The rifle is in spectacular condition in every detail; blueing, white bore, no import markings, numbers are all crisp and matching, down to the screws (less the band in question and a small gouge in the upper hand guard wood) I paid top dollar for this rifle- $3,500 but I am having 2nd thoughts... Sounds silly but 95% original is not 100%. My only mental justification for keeping it, is that the band was either somehow original to the rifle ( no serial number) or the band was replaced war time. I guess I should additional pictures...
That band is an armorers replacement part if it isn’t numbered. Made by Astrawerke in 41-42 timeframe imo. Probably not original to the rifle as built but could be wartime replaced, but mistakes were made at depots. It wouldn’t dissuade me from owning it but more strict collectors will devalue it because of it.
It is difficult to evaluate a rifle, or its components originality, from one isolated picture, but if the band is entirely unnumbered, it is unlikely "period" though if there is some signs of ordnance work it could be period but usually some re-numbering is in evidence...
