Need help with Luger

[gregM]

Hi guys,
I usually hang out in Imperial but I need your help.

I am going to get a chance to buy some vet bring-back items from the
widow of a WW2 vet. One of the items is a Luger. I'll be the first to
admit that I do not know the first thing about them.
I have not seen the pistol yet and I would like some tips on some things
to look for concerning condition and value. I know this is a tall order sence
I can't post pictures for you.
I want to make sure we both come out of this feeling good about the
transaction.
Thank you for your help,
Greg

[Douglas Jr.]

Luger

Greg,

As you aren´t a beginner I can say, from the start, that some cares that you have when buying a Imperial Luger also apply here. Rifling, matching numbers, % of original finish retained, are some obligatory things .

The main differences between the III Reich Lugers and the Imperial are the marks over the toggle and chamber. There were two makers: Mauser Waffenfabrik and Krieghoff. Most of Mauser´s military Lugers bears only a secret code to identify the maker and it can be "S/42" (1934-1939), "42" (1939-41) or "byf" (1941-42). The year of production was also in code for 1934 (letter "K") and for 1935 (letter "G"). Both are more desirable for collectors than the others. From 1941 on the year was stamped with two number system (41 or 42).

Some Lugers made by Mauser can bring the famous "Mauser banner" over the toggle, most delivered to the police forces or to foreign contracts. The production ended in late 1942. Some 900,000 pistols were made 1933 and 1942.

Lugers made by Krieghoff are much more rarer than Mauser´s, only around 13,000 were made up to 1945. Most of production occured in 1936 and 1937. They bears always the commecrial logo over the toggle (an anchor sided by the letters H and K), and the words KRIEGHOFF/SUHL. Most of production, if not all, went to the Luftwaffe.

In both cases, the military acceptance proofs were stamped behind the barrel and on the right side of receiver. From 1937 on, if I´m not mistaken, Lugers´finish became completely blue (darker than the Imperials) - no straw in the smaller parts (trigger, safety lever and disassembly lever).

Well, at last, but not the least, ask if there rare any accessories as holster, spare magazine and tool, what makes everything more atractive. Remember that WWII Lugers are becoming more expensive everyday...

Hope it helps you a little, but keep in mind that this was a "express course" about III Reich Lugers. I´m sure the others can add something else.


Good luck!

Douglas.

[Ronnie Fry]

Excellent Crash Course Douglas. The only thing I can think of to add is a minor one, but also could add to the value. ---- Any bring-back papers!! This could increase the value a little and provide provenance. I have a couple of these papers and they are most interesting.

Ronnie