I like the 1939 better, good grips and better resale potential.

Is the price the same or almost the same?

If so buy it

another 2 cents :)

Vern

This Luger at least displays well. That alone, positively affects resale value, especially if all components are of original manufacture and functional. This being the case and price being comparable, I'd go for it if you're in a hurry. Even a Chicago strip'n dip has eye appeal as long as it's marketed as such and as we all know, pretty sells. There are plenty of parts guns walking around at shows, or usually on the same tables but the bargains in investor guns are still out there. All it takes is knowledge base, perseverence and a little hard work to find them. Our most reputable dealers earn their livelihoods on this basis. The mentoring of beginning collectors requires sound advice and above all, an ethical approach.

Past President, Collector Arms Dealers Association

Just a few observations on this latest set of photos on a new candidate purchase.

This 1939 should have an S/42 Toggle. The byf toggle probably goes with the grip frame which is late 1940 till the end of production by Mauser in 1942. Notice the "P.08" on the left flat side of the grip frame that was missing from the first gun you displayed...

...and so goes your second lesson at Luger university! :)

John W.

I agree with you that we need not send poor messages to new collectors.
So what kind of message do we send to a shooter? To me its (Get in and out as cheap as possible and still get reliability and resale value)

Two different situations completely. Two different purposes. Two different thought processes.

As a collector and shooter I look at things even a 3rd way. I don't buy shooters that are not all matching, because I know that even if I refinish the gun there are a new breed of collectors who will jump at the chance to buy an all matching pretty gun. I edge my bets, to make sure I get most of my money back when I decide to sale.

So, I am still waiting for someone to post the all matching $500 shooter, with great grips, strong bluing and nice straw :)

I am just pulling your leg John, honestly I am not disagreeing with you. Was your first luger an all matching gun?

John S.

I noticed the same thing. Interesting that he is looking at guns with similar mismatches.

Vern

Yes, my first Luger was an all matching byf 41 with a large patch of bluing missing from the upper receiver and toggle areas... I bought it from the vet who brought it home. The blueing was missing because the soldier who he acquired it from had died with blood running down his arm, over his hand and across the top of this Luger. I paid him $100 cash for the pistol, a Schmeisser police magazine, and wooden bottom mag with a chipped bottom, and a 1941 holster and tool. I immediately sent it off to be blued to make it "pretty". I eventually regretted that, but what is done is done.

...30+ years later I traded the entire rig (less the Schmeisser Mag) even to a forum member for a like new Springfield Armory M1A, with a ton of accessories. A gun I had always wanted but never could afford... I took basic training in the Army with M-14 in 1967.

Here is what my first Luger looked like after I had it refinished... it was a TACK DRIVER!

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/byf41r.jpg

Wow! That was a pretty one John.
I like M1A 's also, so I understand why you made the trade.


Vern

JS- that's a beautiful gun. How much did you pay, or would you pay in todays dollars, to have a gun reblued like that??