1913 Erfurt mismatch question

LugerErik · 01-19-2014, 10:14 AM

Thanks for the replies. A little more info on this pistol -

First off, its coming from a friend that collects WWII memorabilia and I have a German WWII Postal Leader dress dagger to barter with plus cash. So, its not from a complete stranger.

I dont have anymore pictures of this Luger but all numbers match except for the 48 below the Erfurt crown on the top. It does look like there is a lower case q on just behind the 1913 year above the last 2 digit serial number 45.

for a 1913 erfurt the serial number range should be between 575-2563b with around 25,000 made. And I have seen completed auctions online sell them for around $1200-1300 in less desirable condition but with matching numbers.

Norme · 01-19-2014, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LugerErik

for a 1913 erfurt the serial number range should be between 575-2563b with around 25,000 made. And I have seen completed auctions online sell them for around $1200-1300 in less desirable condition but with matching numbers.

Hi Erik, Welcome to the forum! You seem to have misinterpreted the serial number data from Jan Still's "Imperial Lugers". At the time this book was written, some 20 years ago, the lowest REPORTED serial number was 575. Erfurt serial numbers started at 1 each year, so the fact that your gun has a serial number lower than 575 is in no way remarkable.
Other than that, I have to agree with Bill's comments. A refinished gun with one (at least) mismatched part is a "shooter", and should be priced accordingly.
Regards, Norm

LugerErik · 01-19-2014, 11:15 AM

Ok. Thanks for the info. I just assumed that the they started the serial number for that year with 575. Plus I didnt know that refinished Lugers brings the value to a shooter level.

I talked with the owner of the Luger today and expressed my concerns. He is a big collectors of WWII related pistols and uniform decorations. We are trying to do an even trade for my German Postal Leader dress dagger valued at around $3000.

I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the help on identifying this piece.

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01-19-2014, 10:14 AM	#1
LugerErik User Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the replies. A little more info on this pistol - First off, its coming from a friend that collects WWII memorabilia and I have a German WWII Postal Leader dress dagger to barter with plus cash. So, its not from a complete stranger. I dont have anymore pictures of this Luger but all numbers match except for the 48 below the Erfurt crown on the top. It does look like there is a lower case q on just behind the 1913 year above the last 2 digit serial number 45. for a 1913 erfurt the serial number range should be between 575-2563b with around 25,000 made. And I have seen completed auctions online sell them for around $1200-1300 in less desirable condition but with matching numbers.

01-19-2014, 11:15 AM	#3
LugerErik User Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok. Thanks for the info. I just assumed that the they started the serial number for that year with 575. Plus I didnt know that refinished Lugers brings the value to a shooter level. I talked with the owner of the Luger today and expressed my concerns. He is a big collectors of WWII related pistols and uniform decorations. We are trying to do an even trade for my German Postal Leader dress dagger valued at around $3000. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for the help on identifying this piece.