Hi Norme,

I found this which is really a great thread http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...ent+buyhttp://...EVERY new collector should read this carefully!
Fore warned, is fore armed!!!

This is a poll conducted by Ed Tinker. The question was what dealers would you purchase from again...the voting results were as follows:

It is interesting to copy, then sort what info is here, as of 9-18-07;

Bill Christensen, CA USA 0 0%
Wimer Collectible Firearms (George Wimer), OR USA 0 0%
Fred Fiet, IL USA 2 1.14%
Krausewerk Collectibles (Mike Krause), CA USA 2 1.14%
I choose not to participate in the Poll. 2 1.14%
Mid West Firearms (Ken Kontos/Jack Sweeney) MN USA 3 1.71%
Phoenix Investment Arms (Tom Etowski), NC USA 3 1.71%
DFW Firearms, TX USA 4 2.29%
Walley Morishige, NV USA 5 2.86%
G&G Relics, Gil Hoffman, MI USA 5 2.86%
I do not buy from Dealers, ever. 8 4.57%
Adams Guns (Bob Adams), NM USA 9 5.14%
Down East Anitiques (Joe Salter), NH USA 9 5.14%
Relics Of The Reichs (Mike Morris), TX USA 9 5.14%
Check-Point Charlies, WI USA 13 7.43%
World Of Lugers (Ralph Shattuck), AZ USA 14 8.00%
Other dealers, not listed. 17 9.71%
Collector Firearms (Rany Bessler), NV USA 20 11.43%
Simpsons LTD (Bob & Brad Simpson), IL USA 24 13.71%
FGS, Inc. (Doug Smith/Ken Clark), OH USA 26 14.86%

Many of the dealers got upwards of 10%! So, looks like Phoenix is not the best vendor in the jungle.

Thanks, Norme...good post! :thumbup:

Looks like PIA Tom's account on gunbroker.com being Jagerbrief. Three negative feedbacks on the account, but all three are same nature: buyer had been happy initially, but not happy after some days (probably after consulting someone). Unfortunately, "three days" had passed, and he's very strict on that. So there was some conflicts.

At least, the sample gunbroker.com ad that I read (item#286554857) has never mentioned magic word "original". It's pretty, it's black, it's in eyes of beholders, etc, but, you know.... we have to agree: the description matches the gun (at least on the sample). If acquired and not happy, what's the good reason to return? isn't it black? :)

Off to the Colorado Gun Collectors Show today. 1400 tables. Maybe I can find something new... LOL

FN

The show was light on lugers. Mostly civil war and old west. One a KI, not a KU, was represented to me as a 1933. Mauser frame, KI on the chamber, Erfurt toggle. Pretty beat up.

What????

But I had 'Luger Lust'. Gotta buy something... so I made a beginner's move. Bought something without studying the books first.

So, now what do I have? My reference books have little on info concerning these.

Fred,
Got your email. I am away from home right now and can receive but not send emails. I'll respond when I get home. First impression...looks loke a very nice late production 1900 Commercial.

Fred:
According to the data that I could find, Ron is correct, which is what we would expect. The 1900 commercial serial number range was 50-19,627; so your 19,360 fits in there nicely. According to the data, there were only 5,750 of this version made. So, besides being a beautiful example, it is apparently very rare and desirable. Hopefully I read the data correctly and haven't made another stupid mistake. Good catch.

Neil

Thanks all. Where/what should be marked? How does one remove the extractor? How does one remove the toggle lock? Or should these things be left alone?

There is no point in removing them. They are not marked internally.

The extractor is removed by lifting up on the forward end until the little lug on the bottom of the extractor clears the corresponding detent in the breechblock, then pulling forward out of the breechblock. Very easy to damage the extractor in the process.

The toggle lock is removed by drifting out the pivot pin in the toggle knob. The lock has a small spring inside at the top that can easily be lost and it is really fiddley to try to hold all the parts together while re-installing the pivot pin.

I highly recommend leaving them alone. Even for someone experienced with their removal, chances of marring or damage are high and IMHO not at all worth the risk.

...$3500???... :rolleyes:

Very nice. :thumbup:

I would prefer my Lugers with a stock lug, but if price was right [low], I would consider one without... :rolleyes:

Fnorm,

Looks like a really nice Luger.
From what I see in the pics, looks like it has good straw and blue.

I think you got a very collectible luger...enjoy it!!!

Richard

Super nice 1900.

Why is there another number under the barrel? Is that standard practice in this serial neighborhood?

===

I mean, the number below BUG, 17x28 (I could not read the middle digit)....

Alvin,
That is the early designation for caliber...it is 178,28 or the number of lead balls of 7.65mm diameter necessary to weigh a pound.

I didn't understand this serial number range.
I own a 1900 Commercial with a higher serial number than the last one reported above (#21359). Or I am missing something?

BTW, that was a nice addition to your collection. Not bad at all for a "newbie"! :thumbsup:

Douglas

Douglas:
I may be misinterpreting the data tables in Still's Imperial Lugers, but the serial number range that I gave is shown on page 11. According to the same table, your s/n 21359 falls into the 1902 model variation (21232-24792), with 3,560 units made. If so, then this would be even more rare. The listed characteristics are 4", 9mm barrel; short frame and dished toggle with the 3-piece toggle lock.

However, after reading Dwight Gruber's earlier comments on your Luger, I yield to a much more knowledgeagle person. As you already know, his comments are as follows: "...sn 21359 was mixed in with the ...(1902) carbines in a transition range ending at sn 21592."

Once again, I have fallen into the trap of thinking any early information on these lovely pistols is straightforward.

Neil

When I purchsed my 1937 Kriegoff I told Charlie what I had and that I need the 'trimmings'. Within the week he fixed me up, A now have the proper case, Kreighoff takedown tool and the manuel. Also including the finest H.EGER& LINDE SCHMALKALDKALDEN 1937 holster. I also have had him from time to time various sundries and go me quick payment. He is definitly worth a try!

Neil,

Don't worry. Once in a while I am caught by this kind of mistake.:rolleyes:

All the best,
Douglas