I think you have a keeper. I asked because I wanted to know about the spring color. I have made a few mistakes over the years. Trading of lugers for other items was the big one. I wish I had the resoures of this forum years ago. These guys are are true gentlemen.

That's not a stain on the frame - it's just 'browning'. I recommend 'Clenzoil' for old guns. Use it on everything within and without, including the wood. Take the grips off and clean them with 'Clenzoil' on a toothbrush. Here's how to get them off safely; remove the magazine - using the correct screwdriver, remove the grip screws, and note which side they came from - work the RH side grip loose and remove it - carefully work the LH grip loose by very gingerly pushing on the center of the grip from the RH side, thru the mag well - pay particular attention to the little point of wood behind the safety cut - it will break off if you look at it wrong - they usually break when you try to pry the grip up from the bottom. Once you get the grips off, examine the reverse side for markings, and photograph them. Clean the grips on both sides just enough to get the soil off. Don't worry about too much 'Clenzoil' soaking in - it won't permanently darken the wood. Blot loosened dirt/excess oil from the checkered side with a piece of terry cloth - finish the checkering by brushing with the dried toothbrush. I definitely never use water or detergent on gun wood.

Thanks saxman... Where do I get Clenzoil? I have neverheard of that.

CLENZOIL is what I use most. You can find it at
CLENZOIL WEBSITE< CLICK HERE
http://www.clenzoil.com/store/solution.gif

The bottom line is are you happy with your purhase. While I am a rookie at collecting P08s, my opinion is I did not buy mine for a quck turnaround. I bought mine for keepers. I have collectors and I have shooters. If I end up paying too much, then so be it. The P08 is mine and that is all that matters to me. I try to buy quality firearms, and sometimes supply and demand eats into my pocket.

I think you have a very nice looking pistole based on your photgraphs. Keep it and enjoy. If you look at the price you paid averaged over your lifetime, its a bargin, even if you are my age.

Jim,

There's no set price to confirm or deny. If you go to a gun show , on-line auction or hit gun shops, you will find a variation of pricing on any given firearm as much as $200, or more in some instances. $1600 should be considered an average. So, $1650 ain't bad.

You didn't over pay or under pay. You got it at a decent / fair price, that's all that matters. If you would have paid $2000 for it that's a different matter. If you paid $1000 for it, you would have stolen it.

The fun of gun trading and collecting is the chase, the cornering and the negotiation.

My grandad was a rancher and horse trader. He used to say, "If you shake hands, and both leave with a smile, it was a good trade."

Great Luger! Ya done good...and you'll always remember the first one.

Ron

New guns are like cars, every dealer carries the same thing, buyer's only mission is to compare the price. Old guns are like houses, every house is different. There are much more consideration in comparing and acquiring.

Yes, I noticed this topic was first posted on 05-01-2004 :)

Although it doesn't hurt to post to older threads, this thread started almost 4.5 years ago.


Ed

Thanks Ed,

I guess I was whistling through the graveyard. Didn't notice, just jumped right in.

I have to get a life...