Luger P08 and P38: What to look for? (UK Deacs only)

[Seigfried]

I want to buy a deac Luger and P38 in the UK but I'm not sure what to look for.

To be more specific I want a WW2 Luger (please don't mention the 'black widow' rubbish) and an early war P38.

I have seen loads and the prices vary wildly, yet they look pretty similar to me.

Are there certain preferred makers, do matching numbers mean a lot, what about grips and finish? Any tips would be appreciated as I do not want to waste a grand!

[1933 FORD NUT]

I want to buy a deac Luger and P38 in the UK but I'm not sure what to look for?

To be more specific I want a WW2 Luger (please don't mention the 'black widow' rubbish) and an early war P38.

I have seen loads and the prices vary wildly, yet they look pretty similar to me.
Are there certain preferred makers, do matching numbers mean a lot, what about grips and finish? Any tips would be appreciated as I do not want to waste a grand!

Only two options on WW2 Lugers . Mauser or Krieghoff with the latter being MUCH more desireable and EXPENSIVE . Matching numbers is indeed important as are original grips . Matching mag is also desireable but beware on that as restamped ones are not rare .

P.38's offer 3 choices Walther [ac] , Mauser [byf] or Spreewerk [cyq] . The first two are dated but the last requires checking the serial number .

I know NOTHING about de-acts so good luck .

[Seigfried]

Thanks Ford Nut, that's the stuff that I'm looking for

[tharpo]

Seigfried,
Try to find a Luger that is close as possible to the condition it left the factory. All matching numbers on the gun is very important to most collectors. A matching magazine is a huge plus but not a must because they are rare and raise the price a lot. Finding a gun with 90% or better original finish will make it attractive to look at.
A Mauser made 1936 S/42 is a very nice looking Luger because it would still have the strawed small parts. Any good condition 1940-42 Luger would also be a great choice for a WW2 Luger.

Tom

[MikeP]

I still think there should be a separate section for the mention, let alone discussion of mutilated corpses of weapons.

Guns like all matching Krieghoffs go for thousands of dollars and are functional here. Not to mention highly sought after.

I know you guys can only have mutilated desecrated pieces but mention of them is not for polite company.

If insist on having them, they should be mismatched junkers, not fine collectables.

There are forces hard at work here to outlaw firearms and it is a touchy subject.

Just sayin'

[Seigfried]

I still think there should be a separate section for the mention, let alone discussion of mutilated corpses of weapons.

I know you guys can only have mutilated desecrated pieces but mention of them is not for polite company.

I don't care what you think, that is why the thread had 'UK Deacs' in the title so you delicate types wouldn't click on it and be offended - but you just can't help yourselves can you? Maybe you should fork out your $25.00 like the rest of us and start a campaign for a new deac sub-section?

Thanks everyone else inc 'across the pond' for their relevant replies and PMs - I should have said that I would just like a good example of each to go with the rest of my collection.

[Johnny Peppers]

They are what they are, and since deactivated is your only choice you might as well have the best you can find.

[Seigfried]

They are what they are, and since deactivated is your only choice you might as well have the best you can find.

Thank you and well said , it is our only choice.

[Geof]

Can I just mention the Black Widow Rubbish here for a sec? Why the hate?

[Seigfried]

Can I just mention the Black Widow Rubbish here for a sec? Why the hate?

No hate mate, I just don't like daft names made up by collectors (and dealers) to make things sound 'sexy' (and therefore more expensive). These nicknames just muddy the waters IMO.

[Geof]

Oh that's good, cos I have one of these much maligned "widows" and she's a pretty bird

[ChannelIsles]

Earlier S/42 Lugers

As Tom has mentioned, earlier S/42's are desirable too.
Here's my early 1937 & as it was left behind by the German's, I'd consider it WW2 vintage.
Brendan

[Geof]

Lovely ChannelIsles.

So back to the thread. You should be looking for original condition, matching bits and pieces and a careful dewat. Avoid big lumps of slag (aka birdsh!t) and discolouration where the man with the dremmel let the tool get too hot. Finding an older dewat is better as the standard gets progressively more brutal as the years go on. Cock and click was possible years back but now the standard just gives you a pistol shaped lump of metal.