Effect of unit markings on Luger values
 

Let's try this again. Please vote up to three times, one for each of the types of unit markings (Imperial military, Weimar military, Weimar police).

It looks like most folks feel unit markings are worth something. Glad to hear it!

Since one of my interests in Lugers is historical, unit markings would definately add value to me. Instead of being just a gun, its now a gun with a story.

I thought I would bring this back to the top one more time to see if it picks up any stragglers.

At one time unit markings were undesireable among the "advanced" crowd.
I like them but place no premium on them.

Don, I have made this a sticky, as it is an interesting topic...

I believe that George Anderson, Jan Still, Ed , Don and I, would all agree that unit marks add at least, a very minimum, of $500 to the value of a Luger or Mauser pistol.:rolleyes:

~This has been a self-service announcement.~:D

I believe that George Anderson, Jan Still, Ed , Don and I, would all agree that unit marks add at least, a very minimum, of $500 to the value of a Luger or Mauser pistol.

...at least to the ones in my collection!!:roflmao:

I have no idea what money value unit marks add to a gun. I just know that it adds to the history of the piece. The gun is talking to you, It's telling you where it's been. Now, if it could only tell us what it saw and did while it was there!

I have a 1911 dated DWM P08 that is marked to the German Southwest African Police. I gladly paid more than three times the value of a 1911 at that time.

As to value how about this one ? B. 16. R. 11.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...001_copy11.jpg

Jar Head, if your 16th Bavraian had a cursive R rather than a Roman R it would be worth a hell of a premium.

+1 :thumbup:

Those that have unit markings will always command a higher price! Those that have matching stocks and matching unit marks are even rarer and thus more valued. They bring life to the gun and bestow its' own personality and are still out there! Eric

I agree with Mike P and Postino. I know a lot of collectors are after unit marks, I am just not one of them. If they are there fine if not fine. No added value to me. Bill

Bill I own both unit marked and unmarked early war lugers. I am mearly refining my collection. Unit marks to me add another historical layer and perspective to my collection. Of course whether there are not marked. I love them all!

Unit or property marks can add considerable value. A common property mark on an Imperial Navy, like say W.W. or T.D., would add about 10% to it's value, rare and desirable marks like U.A. (Untersee Abteilung) or Gouv. Kiau., about 100%. And if, as George Anderson pointed out, the R on Jar Head's B.16.R. marked P08 was cursive, he could just about name his own price.
Regards, Norm

As do matching unit mark on the board and gun! Compliments of George Anderson, TKS

I added my comment above; but I would also add that the perceived 'added value' would only apply to Luger collectors. The average gun show Luger buyer ("I've always wanted one and now I have one!!!") could care less about mismatched magazines, numbers not matching, commercial vs military...or unit stamps...

...$.02... ;)

I would not dare to refer to myself as a "Luger collector" (I have only one, and I don't think I will be adding any more). But,.......IF I would run into a pistol that is marked with the unit that my father (or grandfather!) served with,........I would sell ANYTHING from my collection (I DO collect, but not Parabellums) to get it.

Point: Certain units have certain special meaning to some people, and they are willing to pay the premium.

IF I would be on the market for another one, I would consider other factors first, but I would also pay more for the one with the unit markings (regardless of which unit).

I have not got any Luger with unit marks but I assume it would increase the historical value of the gun.
My 2 cents

Its much like a luger birth certificate. Often you can trace its individual unit and which battles it may have fought. I have ones with no unit markings. They seem in better shape as they may have had some other service. My question is when were the actual proof applied, before or after distribution? ~~Eric