Looking at buying this “black widow” Luger

[Daltondbl]

Have been looking for a Luger and have been offered this one. He wants $1800 for it. He says that “I cant find any arsenal proof marks on the luger. The date is 41. All numbers end in 68 that are visible without breaking the gun down."P08" is stamped forward of the safety on the frame. byf in small case letters on the toggle. Sorry for the unprofessional pics. Never claimed to be a photographer. Gun resides in Flowery Branch but can be hauled up to 20 miles with notice if you need a closer look.Lugers arent my expertise, nor my dads (who ownes it). Thank you for your consideration,Sir.”

Any advice is appreciated as I may be going to check it out in person as he is not too far from me. This was offered to me through a local trader website. Currently working on getting more information. And from my information, “black widow” Luger mags are unnumbered correct?

 

[tharpo]

A 41 byf would have E/655 or E/135 proofs on the right side of the receiver. The magazine in the photo is not correct. The correct 1941 magazine would be a numbered aluminum bottom or a black bakelite unnumbered bottom depending which half of 1941 it was produced. Many people think a "Black Widow" should have black grips and a black bottom magazine.

 

[mrfarb]

As someone who just went through the process of buying a byf41 Luger, my advice is to buy one by the letter block and condition. Get a “w-z” or no letter block pistol, as those were the last of the 41’s and would have most likely been issued with unnumbered magazines. Pistol should have a nice blued finish overall, many repro grips are out there so you want to make sure you don’t get fake grips. To me, from those photos, I’d be cautious as the Gesichert marking should have white lacquer in it. It’s either over cleaned at some point or refinished. Lugers are nice, but you have to buy a good one or you’ve really thrown your money away. Not all had black grips.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nirvana]

Based on these pics it looks buffed and cold blued to me. The "P08" is missing the top half and the bluing has a weird gray/purple color.

 

[Zeppelin5000]

What letter block is the Luger? After about the U block, mags were mostly unnumbered and should be marked fxo. See if you can get a photo of the front of the frame to see the letter, like in the photo of mine. Since mine is a y block, it should have an fxo mag. If your block is at the end of the alphabet or you don't have one at all, you can always obtain an fxo one to make it correct, something you obviously couldn't do with one marked with a serial number (unless you are very lucky).