Lot 3574: World War II Mauser "41/byf" P.08 Black Widow Luger Pistol

Two pieces of documentation are included with this pistol. The first is a 1949 British Columbia small arms registration form, identifying this pistol by serial number (sans suffix, but otherwise matching) as a souvenir owned by Theodore Allen Coney, then a logger in Port Alberni. The second piece is a letter signed by Coney, where he relates the story of how he got the pistol. During World War II, Coney was an Able Seaman aboard the HMCS Buckingham, a River-class frigate with the Royal Canadian Navy. In May of 1945, along with the HMCS Inch Arran, Buckingham was responsible for boarding and securing the submarine U-889 off Newfoundland in preparation for their official surrender. Coney was one of the boarders, tasked to neutralize the u-boat's deck gun and discard their small arms. During this process, he supplied an unnamed Kriegsmarine officer cigarettes and was invited by the officer to retain his service Luger instead of tossing it overboard. Blade front and notch rear sights, the "41" date on the chamber and "byf" factory code on the front toggle link. "Eagle" firing proofs are present on the barrel, breech block and extension, and the barrel and extension are also stamped with "eagle/655" proofs. Full blue finish, with checkered "black widow" style grips. Two blued magazines with alloy bases are included, one numbered to match (with "+" spare magazine mark), and the other numbered to a different Luger. Includes a black leather holster marked "DLU/1942" and "WaA641" on the back and a trimmed-down flap and body. Comes with Michael Hadley's "U-Boats against Canada", a second BC small arms registration form showing Theodore Allen Coney was still the owner of this pistol in 1964, a partial original WWII period newspaper article reporting the capture of U-889, and a November 1995 issue of "The Bulletin Chief & Petty Officers' Association" detailing the surrender of U-889. U-889 was eventually scuttled in late 1947 after the U.S. Navy used it for torpedo trials off New England.

Fine, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing bright wear on the edges and high points, scattered minor spotting, a mixed brown/gray patina on the grip straps, and mild handling marks. The grips are also fine, with some minor dings. The holster is modified, with mild scuffs and cracks. Mechanically excellent.