The first year that Mauser began production of Commercial models of Luger pistols with the Mauser marking on the toggle was 1937. Prior to that, almost all of their Mauser marked Lugers were actually contract production pistols. This pistol, serial number 4782v, is one of the first such Luger pistols intended for commercial sales inside Germany. The recently published book "The Mauser Parabellum 1930-1946" authored by Hallock and van de Kant provides extensive information on Mauser era Luger production. In this book 1937 Mauser Banner Lugers are shown recorded in the general serial number range from 4200v to 7000v. Some of the pistols within this serial range are pure commercial models, however intermixed within this range are also the following contract model pistols: Latvian, Thailand (Siam), Electric Company of Palestine (Israel), some 7,65 mm pistols, and Luger Banner pistols dated 1936, 1938 or 1939. Thus only a small portion of Luger pistols within this serial range are true 1937 commercial 9 mm caliber Banner Lugers. Being a commercial model Luger, this pistol has the following parts un-numbered: firing pin, rear toggle axle pin, thumb safety lever, hold open device, extractor, grips and magazine bottom. The barrel is serial numbered but is not stamped with the land diameter size as would be found on a 1937 military Luger. The pistol has the Commercial Oberndorf "Crown/U" proof on the front of the sight block base and on the left side of the receiver and breechblock. The pistol is finished in the proper Mauser rust blue with the small parts having the yellowish straw colors. Some small parts, springs and grip screws have the bright heat blued finish. Note that this exact pistol is pictured on page 234 in the book "Third Reich Lugers" by Jan Still. The holster accompanying this desirable Luger is a rare all black commercial model with the back stamped with only a single Akah trademark. The design has the up strap closure method with an aluminum stud in the top flap. On the inside of the top flap is a standard Luger combination tool pouch with a brass closure stud. This holster shows almost no actual use but for unknown reasons the pull up strap has been intentionally cut away from the inside of the holster (no portion of this strap remains). A beautiful and very special Luger commercial model holster.

Excellent overall with 98% of the original blue finish showing some very minor thinning of the blue on the sides of the barrel and grip straps. The various small parts retains 95% of their bright original straw colors overall with minor edge and high spot wear mixed with some light fading of the colors on the trigger and safety lever. The holster is exceptional being all black leather with black stitching, with all of the leather surface in super condition showing the original polished black finish with no wear or use, as if it was never worn on a belt.