This is an exceptionally nice, early 1936 dated Commercial Mauser Banner Luger Pistol rig that is complete with one original matching magazine, one unnumbered magazine and a 1936 dated military holster. This serial number range of Lugers were not intended for military or foreign contracts, but were intended to be sold within Germany. Those dated 1936 was the first year of the commercial banner Lugers. These early pre-WWII Banner Lugers exhibit some of the best machining and blue finishes that rivaled the early pre-WWI commercial contract Lugers. The chamber is dated 1936 and it has the standard "Mauser Banner" trademark on the first toggle. The left side of the barrel extension and left side of the breechblock are all stamped with a single "crown/U" commercial firing proof with no other proofs on the pistol. It is in a very early commercial serial number range in the "V" serial number block with the full serial number"1653" stamped on the front of the frame, underside of the barrel and left side of the barrel extension. The partial serial number "53" is stamped on various small parts. It is complete with two early nickel-plated magazines with aluminum bases; as noted one is unnumbered but proofed with a single small Crown/U proof and the other one is matching and stamped "1653/v" and a single Crown/U proof. This excellent pistol rig is complete with a very early pre-WWII black military leather holster that has the strap on the front that is stamped on the back side: "FRANK-VOEGELS/KOLN-DEUTZ/1936" with a single Eagle/WaA234, acceptance proof. It also comes with a very rare early commercial proofed take down tool stamped with a single Crown/U proof. Inside the flap is written in an old ink pen: LTC ????? 105 SS Panzer.

Very good with 90% plus of the original blue finish with edge and high spot wear. The refinished grip straps showing thinning. The back straps also shows some very minor erosion under the blue finish. The smaller parts retain 98% of their attractive original straw colors overall. The grips are in excellent condition with nice sharp, distinct checkering on both sides showing. The holster is in very fine condition with nice tight white stitching and solid black finish overall showing only minor scuffing and rub marks.