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Product Details
§ ** A GOOD 9mm (PARA) MAUSER MANUFACTURED LUGER P08 SERVICE PISTOL, serial no. 6382, with holster & history,
the pistol dated for 1941, with blued 4in. barrel, blade fore-sight, dated nocksform, 'BYF' manufacturer's code to the top of toggle, blued receiver and frame, chequered walnut grips, provision for stockboard and bakelite based magazine, all matching numbers except magazine and in a blackened brown leather service holster dated '1939' and signed 'VOEGELS KOLN', the reverse also marked with a waffenampt stamp, with a similar spare period magazine, stripping tool and certificate of proof, together with documentation, framed photograph and a facsimile Military Cross medal
Provenance: This Luger was captured by Lieutenant Ronald Downie of the 4th South African Armoured Regiment whilst operating in the Western Desert in 1942. At around this time, Lt. Downie was also awarded the Military Cross for daring exploits. The citation for his medal reads:
At 02.00 hours 24/25 June, 1942, West of SIWA track, Enemy vehicle movement was located 2 1/2 miles from where Lieutenant Downies's troop was camped for the night. He took his (armoured) car with two Non-Commissioned Officers (Corporals Mezher and Lerer) to within 1/2 mile of this column of 40 vehicles which had then halted and watch was kept on it until it began to move, when they rushed it, and headed it off, capturing the truck containing ammunition and a 50mm anti-tank gun with its crew of 4 Germans. The second car of the troop then came up and took over the prisoners. Lt. Downies car thereupon chased the next German vehicle and dealt with it in the same manner. This was a gun "DRAG" with a 50mm anti tank gun and ammunition with a crew of 8 Germans.
Lt. Downie displayed great daring and initiative.
A facsimile of Downie's medal together with a framed photograph and other correspondence is included with the lot. Whether the above was the action where the Luger was recovered is not clear, but in a letter written to his parents in November 1942, he does mention the incident, but also adds:
"Yesterday I had a wonderful bag. In one lot I caught 2 Generals and about 40 officers, 400 Italians and about 60 Germans although they had five armoured cars protecting them and I only had two. I managed to capture 17 trucks and 4 staff cars and the Italian armoured cars did not interfere at all. I am at present writing this letter in the General's caravan which is nicely fitted out with a bed, tables, chairs and a wireless set."
** Please note this item is subject to 20% VAT on the hammer price (UK Buyers only). Lots indicated with § are a modern import of post-1939 manufacture, component parts will be marked in accordance with the UK's OGIL requirements before release.
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Estimate £500-700
S5 - Sold as a Section 5 Firearm under the 1968 Firearms Act, Section 7.3 Eligible.
Unless prior arrangement has been made, two weeks after the Sealed bid sale, all Section 5 (and Section 7.1 / 7.3) items will be moved to a Section 5 carriers where storage charges will be incurred.
Goods will not be released until all outstanding charges have been met. Collection will be by arrangement.