Manufactured in 1934, the highly desirable "K" date "S/42" code Lugers were part of the effort of the relatively fresh German government to start moving out from under the restrictions of the Versailles Treaty in preparation for their wars of aggression. While international will to enforce the treaty had been slipping for some time by this point, there was still concern of pushback, which led to the system of using letters in lieu of plain dates (a procedure that would be abandoned once it became clear that no one was going to raise a fuss) and the use of assigned codes in lieu of plain maker's marks (which would be the status quo through the end of the war). Being among the arms on tap for some of the earliest action of World War II in Europe, letter code firearms rarely went unissued, being on the belts and in the hands of the soldiers executing the earliest political and military occupations of Germany's neighbors, often being subjected to years of wartime wear and tear, sometimes outright destroyed by the harsh conditions of combat, making them rare in any condition. Fixed sights, with the "K" date on the chamber, "S/42" code on the front toggle link, "O][37" stamps on the extension and barrel, and "droop wing eagle" firing proofs on the barrel, extension and breech block. The underside of the barrel bears a "8,84" internal diameter stamp on the underside, and block "S" stamps are present on the sideplate, sear, takedown lever, front toggle, link and safety bar. Matching visible numbers are present overall in the traditional military pattern, including inside both grip panels, and fitted with a non-matching period replacement nickel finished alloy base magazine numbered "6680a" on bottom with a "B][90" stamp. Includes a reproduction black leather holster stamped with a drooped wing eagle above "LEDERWERKE/KARL ACKVA A.G./BAD KREUZNACH/1934" on the back.

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish, showing areas of gray and brown patina, and light freckling. 50% original straw colors remain. The grips are very fine with a few small nicks in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The reproduction holster is very fine.