Need Help valuing Lugers & holster

[Gary Campbell]

Hello all. A friend recently showed me these lugers which her father brought back. I am not a firearms guy so I'm looking for your help in estimating a value.

The first picture is a 1938 S/42 with all matching serial numbers. It's in great shape and has not been deactivated. I don't know what import marks are or where to look for them. As her father was on Eisenhower's personal staff, I doubt these carry import marks.

The next 3 photos are of an artillery Luger with holster, also in excellent shape and also with matching serial numbers. The clip appears to be a replacement. On the top it is stamped 1917 and has a very ornate monogram which I can't decipher (& the pictures didn't come out). The holster has its take-down tool (unmarked) but not the cleaning rod.

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge with me.

~ Gary

[Gary Campbell]

Photo #2 of 4

[Gary Campbell]

Photo #3 of 4

[Gary Campbell]

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[GWA]

Gary, the S/42 appears to be in good shape and should bring about $1200 if all matches. The LP08 (artillery) also looks to be in good shape with a Nazi era mag.

To the LP08, 1917 is the most common of all LP08s and does not command a premium. If your's is all matching and retains about 97% of the original finish it might bring as much as $2500 retail but don't count on it. The pedestrian selling price might be $1500-2000.

As to the LP08 holster it is a different matter. It appears to be in good shape with just a few blemishes like the tool pouch cover. Depending on the maker mark, year of manufacture and overall condition, it might bring a hefty price. I have paid $1000, $1000 and $1500 for the last three LP08 holsters I bought. Don't expect to get that for your leather but you may well get damned close.

Gary, whatever you do, don't try to "pretty-up" the holster. Almost anything you do to it will diminish its value. Oh yes, I am a buyer.

[Bob in OH]

As you might imagine, the Luger has been a very desirable item during and after both world wars. There are many collectors who devote many hrs and dollars to these fine pieces of history.

Having said that... there are other forums soley devoted to the Luger and collectors who specialize in them.

Here are two fine examples you might find helpful:

http://www.lugerforum.com/

http://www.simpsonltd.com/

[MikeP]

The '38 has a navy magazine-itself worth a couple hundred or so.

The arty has a magazine more correct for the '38 with the aluminum bottom.

Nice pieces