I am so glad that I saw him on The History Channel. I then sought him out on-line and emailed him about my 1939 S/42 asking if it is an extremely valuable piece or, a shooter.
His response was...."fire it".
What a relief and I have been shooting the gun ever since.
RIP Mr. Shattuck

One Day I might shoot one of them!

This is indeed sad news. I was privileged to be in Ralph's company twice, once during the LugerForum Convention of March 2002 and on one other occasion. As others have said he was a consummate gentleman. He and Nancy were always the best hosts if you had occasion to be at their home or in their company.

My Luger knowledge, would fit on the edge of a postage stamp, but Ralph never gave the impression of his knowing more than than me, just a quiet humble man, always willing to share his love and knowledge of the pistols he loved.

They say there are those whom you meet who leave footprints on your heart... Ralph Shattuck was one such man. We shan't soon see his like again.

Dok (Les Center)

I share Your thoughts about Ralph. His knowlege and actual specimens gave another layer of respect to our hobby. A True Gentleman Of The Ages! My condolences to the Woman behind Him, Nancy Shattuck,

Just some more remembrances of "the man"

Priceless, always with a smile!

Ralph indeed was a humble man and just made you feel important without outward patronizing you, at least that was my impression. He did rub shoulders with some Hollywood actors. Lets see what folks remember regarding this! I will drop one name, James Earl Jones. Ralph told me he started a collection of Lugers a few years ago and bought a few from Ralph. I like to remember Mr. Jones from his voice used for Darth Vader (Star Wars) and some of the Tom Clancy movies from his novels.

Another face another remembrance

Ralph
 

I never had the pleasure to meet this fine gentleman . But did some business with him and was always treated fair. Im sorry I never did get to meet him. R.I.P Ralph " May legions of angels greet you "

I purchased my first Luger from Ralph about 10 years ago. Called just looking for a "shooter". He spent quite awhile with me on the phone discussing potential inventory. When all said and done, I ended up with a 42/1940 Luger...all matching (except magazine) for $550.

Given the quality of his collection (and the value), I was always amazed how much time he spent with me. Heck, almost like I was purchasing the .45 ACP Luger.

Very nice/friendly gentleman.

Rest In Peace Ralph

I just came across one of Ralph email before he went into the hospital. He answered me with one word in his normal burgandy red and attached this picture and "enjoy!'

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/Dign...&pid=144356636

Ralph's guest book - says it will be kept online until 7/29/2011

my first luger was a 1916 98% artillery purchased from Ralph after seeing it on approval at Claude Harris home when visiting to see Harris collection
price was $145 and it functioned perfect with the canadian winchester submachinegun ammo
the fine tune sights were awesome and decent trigger pull somehow

Ralph, thanks for the memories
Bill

Whats truly amazing that not even half!!! He knew all of them, How and where they came from.

I remember visiting him on days when he had so much inventory that there was no place to sit other than on the floor. So, there I was, on the floor in his gun room surrounded by Lugers. Talk about Luger Heaven !!

At the recent Reno show:

I noticed next to your fabulous drawing, copies of his little black book that Ralph sent me with a personal greeting. Its a facinating book and picures of those rare ones. Is His book still available ?

Eric, my guess is that they will be available once the dust clears from the inevitable confusion of Ralph's passing. The problem is who to contact.

You might try Tom Etowski at Phoenix Investment Arms.

Jerry Burney

HI JERRY, I miss You. Yes Eds a safe bet! I'm sure He won't be giving them away. I asked Ralph years ago about estate planning and He assued me it was all taken care of!!He could run a museum!