1941 Kü Mauser byf

There are as many theories about the Mauser Kü as there are people that study them. What we do know is that the parts were made by Mauser and they have been Krieghoff/Luftwaffe proofed. This is an outstanding example of the Kü variation. At the start of 1941 dates were changed to two digits and the P.08 markings were begun. In February 1941 the 42 Code was changed to "byf" so production. It is known that during 1941 the Luftwaffe procured 36,000 Parabellums but how many were Kü marked is not recorded. (2092)

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This Parabellum is 9mm, with a 4" (100mm) barrel, a dovetailed inverted front sight and a "V" notch rear sight on the rear toggle link. Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The first toggle link is marked wit the Mauser code "42". The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen." There is a stock lug, the trigger, the locking lug and thumb safety are blued, as expected of the "byf" Mausers.

Proof marks are the Luftwaffe (A) acceptance proof found on the barrel, and the right side of the receiver. The Mauser E/655 (B) proof is found on the barrel and four digit serial number is inside the grips. The (A) is a Krieghoff Stage II proof and the Eagle 655 with the numbers in a straight line which is an early (1939) barrel proof. Most Kü prefixed Lugers have large serial numbers and these seem more consistent with Krieghoff numbers.

Above Left: Under the barrel the frame is serial numbered in a different type than Mauser used. There is also a Waffenamt Eagle 655 stamped on the grips indicating that it was inspected late in 1941 or 1942 when the E135 inspector replaced the E655 inspector. The magazine bottoms are cast which is different than the machined bottoms indicating they came from an outside source to the production of this gun.

Note the grips are serial numbered with a large type which is not characteristic of the other Mauser byf Lugers. The magazines are what collectors call the Type IV extruded blue sleeve FXO type with the zig-zag spring, a much better magazine.
General Student reviewing Paratroopers. Kurt Student (12 May 1890 – 1 July 1978) was a German Luftwaffe general who fought as a fighter pilot during the First World War and as the commander of German Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers) during the WWII. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves were awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.


Above is the Stage 2 Krieghoff proof on the right of the receiver and the left side of the barrel beside the breach block. In all previous Luger production the right side final proof is the acceptance proof which one may assume reflects who brought the Parabellum to final proofing. It doesn't look like this was a final assembly by Mauser.

On the left side of the barrel is the late Krieghoff Stage II proof under an Eagle 655 proof that means it was proofed by a Mauser inspector in 1941 when the barrel was made. The Krieghoff Stage II was the final or proof test of the barrel. Also under magnification on the right side of the receiver one can see the faint outlines of the Stage II proof.

With the side plate removed reveals the serial number on the trigger while the entire four digits of the serial number plus the prefix (and we have seen it as a suffix) Kü is displayed. Under the thumb safety is the 42 which was the production code for Mauser prior to 1941; it appears this was an extra production part that was delivered with the rest of the Mauser parts that went into these special Lugers.

On the left side of the breechblock is another Krieghoff Late War Krieghoff proof. Above the thumb safety is the last two digits of the serial number. Mauser didn't, as a practice place the numbers on the thumb safety at this stage (1941) of production.

Above is the Stage 2 Krieghoff proof on the right of the receiver and the left side of the barrel beside the breach block. In all previous Luger production the right side final proof is the acceptance proof which one may assume reflects who brought the Parabellum to final proofing. It doesn't look like this was a final assembly by Mauser.


The grips show normal wear. The blue is the deep blue of the standard Mauser production. This example has all matching numbers. This is a Parabellum consistent with those 41-byf Kü's seen before.
	This gun shows that the parts are a collection of the Mausger and Krieghoff proofs. On the upper barrel is the Eagle 655 proof of Mauser on the side of the barrel and on the receiver is the Late Stage II proof of Krieghoff. The extractor is a plumb color which tells us that it was a late part that when blued either the blue salts were hotter than required or the metal was of a type diferent than the breach block which gives it a different color. It is clear to see the last two digits of the serial number "26" on the extractor.

The holster appears to be like new. The stamping is fresh and the leather has minimal signs of being belted or worn. It is dated 1941 and is fully functional.

Above: This Luger has been cared for over 73 years now. It is looking for a good home. In 1932 the Reichswehrministerium issued an order that the rear connecting pin be serial numbered to the gun. This Parabellum is not numbered which coincides with the Krieghoff practice of not numbering the latter pins and Mauser who followed the requirement and numbered theirs. Just another indication the Luger was assembled by Krieghoff.

This is a good clean example of the Mauser Kü. It shows a deep blue and displays minor holster wear. There appears to be no pitting or damage to the surface and represents a fine example of that period Luger. This Luger has been cared for over the years and shows well both inside and out. The barrel is strong with distinctive lands and grooves. The grips match the gun and the numbering is in large numbers.

The 41 42 code Kü Mauser Parabellum is a hard-to-find Luger for the collector since it was only produced for few months under wartime production. The Kü variation, despite the multiple theories of origination is an example of the enigma of unknown production. Some say they are re-works and there is some evidence to suggest that from tool markings on some parts. Others say they were "parts guns" made in the midst of the war. If one accepts that it 'is what it is' then you have a very limited variation for the collector to enjoy and your ticket to join the research and debate.

It is entirely subjective to give any Luger a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few Lugers are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder. We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria.

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