This is an excellent, like new commercial contract Mauser Banner Luger pistol that is chambered in the seldom seen (in this serial number range) "7.65 mm" Luger Auto cartridge. Very few were manufactured throughout the war. The serial number with "v" suffix "Crown/U" proofs combined with the Mauser Banner indicates that this Luger was manufactured at a time when the Mauser factory was still selling commercial pistols to numerous countries in Europe. Some of the countries included Switzerland, the Netherlands, Siam, Turkey, Latvia, Portugal, and even Israel. Since it is chambered in 7.65 mm, that would certainly give more support to a sale in Europe. In the recent book, "The Mauser Parabellum 1930-1946" by Hallock and van de Kant, on page 524 they list only three commercial pistols including this exact serial number 5143v, as having the 1938 date, 3 7/8 inch barrel and caliber 7.65 Luger. Based on this information, this is a very rare Luger variation. They state that these three pistols were part of a batch of Lugers delivered to Latvia. But the consignor states that he imported this luger from Sweden 25 years ago and was told it was sold new there prior to the start of the war. This exceptional Luger has a 1938 dated chamber and the Mauser Banner logo on the front toggle. The left side of the barrel extension, the front of the sight block at the muzzle, and the left side of the breechblock are all stamped with a single "Crown/U" commercial proof acceptance mark with no other proofs. It has the full serial number (5143v) stamped on the front of the frame (5143) stamped on the underside of the barrel. The partial serial number "43" is stamped on various small parts. It is complete with its original matching magazine that has an all blued, unmarked magazine body and aluminum base stamped with "5143/v/+". It has the slightly higher polish commercial rust blue finish on the major parts and components and straw colors on the small parts.