So it's worth X amount.
You will never sell it because it is sentimental.
If you fire it you will enjoy it. Maybe break a part and you fix it. It will make it worth less. But you won't sell it. So X amount is inconsequential.
Sentimental value won't change.
And you get to enjoy it other than fondling it.
I believe in shooting unless a gun is an investment, very rare or very valuable.

I don't want it too look some sort of "chit chat" but I would just add that:

a) It looks like a nice gun, and I would never fire an all matching collectible Luger, just a matter of "respect" towards something historically significant.
b) its value in bucks is not important at all if the gun has got some sentimental value to you.

Then anybody is free to do what he wants.
Just my 2 cents.

Closing the loop on this thread I went ahead and bought a 9mm Glock shooter today. Won't be shooting the Luger or the Colt 1911 I got from Grandad. Thanks everyone

Smart idea indeed! If you just wanted to shoot an old relic like a luger, there are many out there that are perfect for shooting and does not have an all matching or sentimental value. And most of them are a whole lot less than one would think. You already have one luger, just get the fever and buy another one just for shooting. One's that have a history and a story in my opinion should be just left as story tellers.

Beautiful gun though. take care of it.

Hi Tom.

Not a nice Luger.... A GREAT Luger. I am of a different ilk than the majority of the board members, who, it seems, are far more enamered with a little finish than the historical significance of an item.

1) The suggestion to get a price from some web site like http://www.simpsonltd.com/ is the most valuable information here to for on price. The insurance company is not going to ask the above for opinions in all likelihood. they normally just want "replacement value". Talk to your insurance agent and find out what the company will accept (and certainly offer the "expert" opinions above if they will accept them--probably much more accurate).

2) IMHO the addition of an "original" holster will be of little import and more cosmetic than anything because you, at least, know it is not original to the history of the gun.

3) What I would do with that gun is build a wall display case where it, the papers for it, his service ribbons or medals, unit patch(s), an annotated map of his path in Europe, a copy of his DD-214 and a write up of this story could all be proudly displayed for your families heritage. No holster or extra mag needed.

4) Shooting. The real value in that piece has nothing to do with it's condition. Some people can't see past a dollar sign. If shooting it brings you closer to him then don't hesitate.

All my guns are just pieces of metal and wood. Yours is a piece of American history.

I'm jealous.

Gary

If we stick on sentimental value, none of simpsonltd.com's listing or any other can replace this unique piece regardless of whatever, because none of them is this particular gun. The value of this singleton cannot be measured. But, if want to sell to 3rd party, it must follow market rule. Emotion has no place on blue book.

Gary,

Best line of the entire thread!! You have nailed it!

Bill

Alvin, I do not disagree with you in the slightest. It is just that the online sellers and people on boards like this are about the only source for insurance claims and sentiment is not insurable.

I was just taking him at his word that he wants to keep it in the family as part of the family heritage. It is only a rare historical collector that will pay extra for documented history but it will be up to his great grandchildren to find one, if they so desire.

Hi everyone, took the pistol to a gun show today looking for "the Luger guy" who frequents gun shows in NE Ohio. Found him. It was a great 30 minute history lesson on my pistol. First off, it's a Z something or another and has type 4 grips. The Luger guy is compiling a database of pistols, serial numbers, and grip types. He's seen 3 other pistols which were made around the time of mine with same type 4 grips. He took the pistol apart and confirmed everything matches. He said it's "almost" pristine and is around 95 percent. Where it's worn is where you want it to be warn. It's apparently been shot very little and the bore is excellent. He really enjoyed the capture papers and the story of how my grandfather obtained the pistol.

It was a great time and I really appreciate him looking at the pistol. He reads the forums so "Luger guy" thanks again for your time and expertise that you shared with me and my son today,