Just bought a 1916 Erfurt
 

I just bought a 1916 Erfurt luger. It seems like all the serial numbers that i can see match. Even on the bottom of the wooden magazine has the serial number. It came with a leather holster that says Ryffel&Borns Hannover 1916. I paid a good deal for the gun and was just wondering if it was a good investment. Thank you in advance and i can take pics of it if it will help.

You bet it will help! Can't begin to assess the value without something to go on. Could be a thoroughbred or a plow horse. :)
Ron

Trying to figure out how to add pics here

It's a fine example with, what appears to be, an excellent holster.

Thank you very much i love the gun. Haven't shot it yet or disassembled it yet to check all the markings. What are the markings on the right side of the barrel?

Welcome to the forum.

Luger collectors value pistols that are all matching and in high percentage original finish the most highly.

The difference between a collectible pistol and one called a "shooter" is probably 40% of the price. A $1600 collectible pistol would be worth $1100 if it was a shooter.

By breaking a numbered part, you can easily turn a collectible pistol into a shooter.

You have what appears to be a good example of a collectible pistol. When they have a proper matching magazine, add 30% to the value. Thus a $1600 luger without a matching magazine could be worth $2000 with a matching magazine.

The decision to shoot your Luger is, of course, yours.

Many of us buy a non-matching example, or a matching finish challenged example to use for shooting. That way, when something breaks, we don't also destroy the value of a matching gun. In fact, considering what you already have, it would be cheaper to buy the shooter to shoot than to experience a broken part on your Erfurt.

As to the markings, why not download a copy of our forum FAQ. just follow the link at the top of every forum page. It has excellent reference information and will help you with those acceptance and proof markings, including the "Crown/RC" Revisions Commission marking.

Lugers are really not much of an investment, unless you are a dealer you buy retail and sell wholesale. If you hold it long enough - maybe; but the market goes up and down in long
price cycles. JMHO

Of course to really answer your question about "investment", we would need to know what you paid
for the luger.

Thank you for the information. I get it don't shoot it.

I bought it from an auction for 1700.

Assuming that the internal numbers also match, from the condition of the gun and holster it appears that you did OK. :)
Ron

Wow, very good price if everything else is matched!

If the numbers match and with that excellent looking holster, I think you did very well. Erfurt was the government owned production facility. You will fing lots of inspection stamps on the small parts. The stamps on the richt side of the reciever are 3 inpectors stamps and a proof mark.
Click on the FAQ on the banner above and almost all of your questions can be answered. It is a great resource.