Possible Luger Purchase

[haserot]

Being relatively new to collecting firearms, I would like some opinions on a 'find' of mine. I have found a fella with a Luger for sale. He says the year is 1920, and there is a DWM marking on it. He says all numbers on the gun match. He also has the holster and an 8 rd mag. Any thoughts on the value of this in "very good condition"? Als, should there be matching numbers or markings on the Mag and holster as well? Thanks for the help!

[Gene]

Get clear, sharp pics and post them here for a comprehensive evaluation

[Douglas Jr.]

We need more information about this one.
As Gene said, if you manage to get some pictures would be better.
Please, note that concerning Lugers, every detail is important. For instance:

- date over the chamber (if any)
- proofs stamped
- unit marked?
- original finish X reblued
- serial number (including letter suffix if any)
- barrel lenght
- adjustable sights (or not)
- caliber

and so on...
Good luck!

Douglas

[zinfull]

Pictures are needed.

Offer him

$500 for pistol with mag and $35 for holster.

If it is a reblue and repo holster you payed going rate and anything better is great.

What is the asking price?

Jerry

[haserot]

More info

O.K. here's the deal. The guy does not have pics of the gun. He said for sure it is non-commercial, and from what he's read it is either police or military (not marine or artillery). He says it has a double stamped date of 1920-1921. It is a 9mm and not a .30 cal. The barrell is 3-1/4" and the grip is walnut. The grip also has a lug on the rear. It is DWM with a four digit serial # that matches on all parts except the clip. The clip is aluminum with a wood bottom. There is one clip. The bluing is excellent with a little wear at the end of the barrell. Included is the leather holster.

He says his friend's father brought it back from the war. He bought it from his buddy when the father died back in the mid 70's.

He is asking $1500 but says he is negotiable. I think (even with my inexperience) that it is a high price. Does this even sound like a $1500 luger to anyone?

I think I'm going to try and meet him and possibly get pics to post. Is there anything specific I should look for when I meet him?

Thanks again!

[zinfull]

There are a lot of things you need to look at when you get the pistol. The amount of finish is a major factor. All parts that should have numbers on them should have the last two numbers. there are about 13 parts including the grips.If the pistol is what is said then the price is not out of line. Missing numbered parts or wrong type of part drops the value a lot. The holsters average $300 and should be in good condition.

Read all you can. Check this site. You will not find a beeter one on the net.

http://luger.gunboards.com/

This is some of the info from that board.

0) What parts must be numbered on a Luger?
The following parts should have serial numbers on them:
Frame, full serial number with suffix
Under barrel, full serial number with or without suffix
Left side of the receiver, full serial number without suffix.

All the following parts should have the last two numerals stamped on them:
Firing pin
Extractor
Sear bar
Breechblock
Front toggle link
Rear toggle link
Locking bolt (takedown lever)
Side plate (with a few exceptions through the years, see comments on side plate)
Trigger
Safety lever
Safety bar
Hold-open latch
Grips (inside)
Note, that the rear toggle pin was not serial-numbered until 1932.
There were two "styles" of serial number marking, Commercial style and Military style. In commercial style some of the numbers, notably the side-plate and locking bolt, were stamped underneath in a way which did not affect the surface look of the gun--military serial numbers were stamped on the visible surfaces. If your mismatched parts are stamped highly visibly they likely come from military guns.





Jerry

[vitts]

Check real careful for reblue ! get a very high powered flashlight and look at the pistol closely for pitting or polishing under the finish. Also check the muzzle it should not be blued at the very end. Holsters are tricky just when you think you have a $300 holster you find you can only get $150 for it. you are right $1500 is pretty high priced, ask him how he came to that figure? good luck
frank v.

[Douglas Jr.]

The "1920" was a stamp that was applied on pistols (and other firearms) to indicated that the gun was Reichsheer's property. The date "1921" is the date of manufacture. According to the information you provided, your friend's Luger is one of the pistols made by DWM when the manufacture of new guns was authorized by the Allied Powers Gun Control Commission, under the terms of the Versailles Treaty.

I do not have my books at hand and I can't remember how many were produced. These guns were still in service when the WWII broke and it is possible that it is a genuine bringback gun. But, as always w say, buy the gun not the story.

Good luck!

Douglas.