I've been stuck between a rock and a hardplace for years on the same type of situation. Fixing something to add value or leave it alone to preserve the history behind it.

My Grand dad on my fathers side was in WWI and my dad was born in 1918. My Grand dad brought home a U.S. 1917 Enfield he used while in the war. It is in a P14 stock that was modified in the mag well area to allow for the mag box which is a hair longer for the 30-06 and he was the one who changed stocks on the rifle. The original was damaged in battle and he found a P14 and made it work. My father knew the story behind the stock. I also have some 45 acp rounds and 30-06 ammo he gave to my father who gave it to me. Along with a trench lighter and some coins. I guess changing the stock on the rifle and putting it into a 1917 enfield stock would add value but take away from the history behind it. Kind of like changing out the strap on a holster.

Very nice Luger!
As said, you hit the bull's eye in your first attempt. Congratulations!
A collectable pistol that I wouldn't fire in any circunstances. Recently, we could see a rare Erfurt Artillery damaged beyond repair during a shooting session at the range.

Welcome to the club.

Douglas

Thank you for the welcome Douglas. Everyone here has been very helpful and informative. I was reading about the one fired using wolf ammo. I don't like that stuff had an instance with some of their rifle ammo being loaded hot. But not to worry this one won't see anything in the chamber again unless it's a snap cap.

Jerry

Luger 1900-1908 ?
 

Hi folks! This is my first post. I'm not totally sure I'm doing this correctly. I just got my first Luger from my father. He was in the Battle of the Bulge. Still doing well at 85. He collected a few guns while he was there but was only able to bring back a few. The one he recently gave me he picked out of creek in Belgum! It's a DWM with the exact proof markings shown on the forums proof marking #1. It has the B U & G with crowns stamp and the number172,28 on the barrel with the number 128 stamped right below. All the parts are stamped consistantly with the number 28. The only thing apparently missing is the firing pin. It's in decent shape but not "excellent". It has the DWM stamp on the top but no "country" stamp up front. The "witness" mark is clean and straight. He always thought it was from WWII but it's turning out to be much older. I have not taken photos yet but will if anyone is interested in checking it out. I'd like to get a firing pin for it but I don't want to fire it. I'd also like to get an inexpensive holster to protect it. It's been in an old Dutch Masters cigar box for a very long time. Any suggestions or questions would be appreciated, Thanks

Contact Tom Heller, "Luger Doc" here on the forum for the firing pin. He may even have a matched number for you!

Do not plan on storing the pistol in a holster. Tanning acids from the leather will eventually damage your pistol's finish! Buy a quality gun rug and keep it there. If you occasionally want to store it in a reproduction holster, companies such as IMA, (International Military Antiques) and Pacific Coast Canvas and Leather have nice reproductions;

http://www.pacificcanvasandleather.com/