I'm new to the forum. I've been a gun collector for many years, but just recently developed an interest in the HSc. I've found "The Mauser HSc Pistol" book to be a very valuable resource for a new collector like myself. At $25.00 is a real bargain. I believe the forum moderator is the co-author.
On page 35, the subject of phosphate finishing is discussed. It lists four pistols between serial numbers 882447 and 896889 that were made in early 1944. If I understand correctly, these guns were probably produced to demonstrate the practicality of the phosphate finish. Later, in 1945, phosphate finishing became a standard practice on the HSc.
Are these 1944 phosphate finished guns rare? Did some have wooden grips? Were the barrels also phosphate or were they polished?
I have a phosphate finished Eagle/L HSc, serial number 885xxx. I'll post some photos of it later.