byf42 #9846.  This pistol was most likely made in early 1943.  Only 700 byf42s were accepted by the

German Army (Heer) in 1942.  We don't know what the serial numbers of those pistols are but they were

virtually certain to not be 1 through 700.  The 700 probably spanned 2, 3 or 4 thousand serial numbers. 

This example shows slight evidence of the "dusty blue" slide that was common on the early byf42s.  The

E/135 on the spine of the mag is stamped upside down.  Notice there is a dent in the side of the tube of

that mag.  This gun was never abused and I very much doubt the mag would have been either.  So, I think

the dent was in the mag when it was made and, since it didn't affect functionality, it was accepted.  Notice how

dramatic the color difference is on the mag where the feed lips were hardened.