Luger (HELP)

[Bill Schwarz]

I may have my first opportunity to get a luger. I don't collect them (just medals and badges) . But my dealer who has been getting me some good items just got one. What should I look for and pay.

Thanks
Bill S.

[leondes]

Hi Bill,

Your question would require a book to respond to in enough detail.

Generally, price is driven by the Luger variation (there were lots of them), originality and condition.

Correct parts must be matching numbered to the gun, the finish must be original (it takes an experienced eye to tell) and a correct or matching mag helps the value.

Any collector would need much more info about the piece, markings etc. to even start to give a guess on value.

My suggestion is to be very careful. Try to find a long time Luger collector to examine to the gun and give an opinion. Even a lot of dealers don't have the experience to correctly evaluate a Luger.

I know this hasn't helped much.

Regards, Leon

[Chris_Werner]

Bill:
There are about as many Luger varients out there as there are medals and badges. Do you want a WWI chamber date, or WWII? There are WWI date Lugers that were refurbished and reissued in WWII. Those are neat.
The bottom line is that all the serial numbers should match. Parts marked are the toggle, frame, sideplate, barrel, safety lever for a start. Magazine should match too, but this is rarer. Make sure that you are not getting a put together parts gun.
The take down lever, safety and mag release should be a straw color from the heat treating process. The rest of the gun should be blued.
Price for a decent one $750 and up.
I'd get a good reference book that addresses things like chamber dates, proof marks, etc.
It's a very complicated, but interesting subject.
Good luck,
Chris Werner

[Douglas Jr.]

First Luger

Hi Bill,

It all depends on what are you looking for: a collectable or a shooter gun? In this case, prices are very different, so you should know what you want. This is because I think you don´t want to shoot with a Luger Krieghoff 1944 (which cost more than $3,500.00) at your backyard just for fun. TYo do it, get a Russian import - ten times cheaper!

Well, the other already put the main pointo that you must to look for when buying a Luger. But, as I said in another thread, in your place, I´d ask for some pictures to post here. The guys around here have some pretty nice knowledge and literature to help you. But with pictures would be better.

Why? Well there are a lot of variations concerning the Luger pistols. Proofs, marks, grips, finish, etc. that affect directly over the gun´s price.

Other points to look: it must to have matching numbers, I mean, the last two digits of its serial number must be stamped in every single piece. Also, check the rifling and acceptance proofs stamped on the right side of the receiver, as well marks and date(s) over the toggle and chamber.

At last, but not the least, check to see if there is something else, like a holster or a spare magazine. It also increases the price.

Hope it helps,

Douglas.<!-- / message --><!-- edit note -->

[GWA]

[QUOTE=Chris_Werner]Bill:

"The take down lever, safety and mag release should be a straw color from the heat treating process. The rest of the gun should be blued."

The above is true up until mid to late 1937 when Mauser did away with strawed parts as well as rust bluing. Expect to find late 1937 Mauser manufactured Lugers salt blued. Mauser continued this process through 1942.

I would strongly recommend that your first purchase be a book. If you have already decided on an era of interest, you should consider Jan Still's three volume work on Lugers. The three volumes deal with Imperial, Weimar and Third Reich Lugers and are so titled.

After you have made up your mind as to what you want, get back in touch with me and I'll sell you a Luger. Might as well be me as anyone else.

Good hunting.

[GWA]

Bill, just noticed your address; Massapequa, NY. Isn't that where Bill and Hillary hide from each other? What does the Booger Woman think of you buying guns?

[Chris_Werner]

Unfortunately, the carpet baggers live in my hometown of Chappaqua, NY. Glad I moved.

[GWA]

My sincere apologies to the good folks of Massapequa. And my condolences to the people of Chappaqua. To the latter, watch out for Hillary bringing Winnie Mandella in as a house guest. There is another Booger Woman.

[Chris_Werner]

They ran the Clinton dog over out on Route 117. Geesh, ya'd think they'd get the hint.

[Bill Schwarz]

Thanks for all your advise and suggestions. Looks like I'll be doing some homework first.
No need to apologize to the folks of Massapequa, for we have our fair share of losers here. Most notably, Joey Buttafucco, John Gotti's son, as well as Jessica Hahn. But on the bright side, we do have Jerry Seinfeld. Thanks again for all your expertise and quick responses.
Bill Schwarz