My Luger
 

Hi all - glad to have joined the forum :)
I have a battlefield pickup coming from Spain from the Spanish Civil War but until it arrives, I stumbled upon this one today. My shop takes care of me, and he took this one in and I bought it for what I feel was cheap :)
I'm always amazed at the range of values as a novice. Not sure if this one is anything special?
It appears to be all matching - even the magazine. Waffen looks like 63 on gun, 37 on magazine. Serial number 4 digit 1x12.
Just wanted to share and see if anyone had any thoughts on it? Just a random Luger in great shape? Thanks!

https://i.postimg.cc/zBQ1g2rF/Luger-1.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/50t24pQJ/Luger.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/T2F3xVd8/luger-2.jpg

Welcome to the forum. Your 1937 Mauser Luger is a first variation as it has straw colored small parts and rust bluing. During later 1937 production, Mauser began using a hot bath chemical bluing and all parts were blued except the safety bar that blocks the sear bar when engaged.

The early first variation 1937 Lugers are valued more than the second variation, all else being equal. Fewer of them were made. Also, look under the numbers on the front of the frame for a letter. That's called a "suffix letter" and is part of the serial number.

Thank you. No letter under serial number on front of frame. Only possible letter is under the 12 on the back of the pistol - just a randome 0 or O stamped? No letter anywhere else :(

More pictures are needed; closeups showing details.

There are collectors on this forum who are far more qualified to assess your Mauser Luger than I but if I'm reading Jan Still's production chart correctly, your no suffix letter Luger should not have strawed parts as it was made near the end of production in 1937 when the hot salt bluing was used and small parts would be blued. I didn't want to mention it earlier but there's a possibility that your Luger has been refinished. The pictures you've posted aren't detailed enough to be certain.

Thanks. I was curious if it might have been re-finished because it's in such great shape. But if it was, it was done well! I'll post some more pics. Thanks!

The O on the back doesn't look like the O suffix that I've looked up

https://i.postimg.cc/VvTqPShm/A.jpg

A few other pics

https://i.postimg.cc/bND0HTGJ/B.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/4xRcvTkL/C.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/MnTHG5c4/D.jpg

And if refinished, I'm surprised engraving is so crisp.....but again, finish seems too good for 1937

Suffix' wouldn't be on the back like that, they are located under the serial number on the front of the frame and barrel, but on later Mausers like yours just on the front of the frame. I looked in my book also and I think Doubs is correct your Luger shouldn't be strawed so it may be a refinish. Still a nice Luger but that would make a shooter class.

Jim

Looks refinished, but they didn't get very aggressive with buffing it.
Hardest hit area I see is the rear of the toggle behind the sight where the 0 sits. Some rounding on the edges.

Parts gun. The frame has a P.08 on it, 1937 is a little early for that.

Jack

The picture of the mag is not as sharp as would be helpful, but I don't believe it is the correct mag for this pistol. I think I see a suffix on it. Please correct me.

Yackman,

Good observation on the P.08. I also notice in the second photo that the receiver is proud of the frame, suggesting that the frame was ground and renumbered.

KFS

Yakman and Karl good pickups. Those observations are more apparent on my home computer but when I use my phone I miss a lot. Frame definitely shaved down so the Luger still maybe a good shooter but no where near a collectible. Cruzans hope you didn’t pay much for the pistol. Have Fun!
Jim

The strawing appears to be perfect to my eyes!! I vote for a refinish.

It also has the Mauser Hump which is a later feature.

Jack

great shooter-----let 'er rip..............

Thanks all. I thought it was "too good". I paid $1000 out the door so I think I did ok.

The most important thing I find about ANY Luger is not how 'much its worth' but what it means to you.

You have a fine gun and an important piece of history as well as the fact that YOU love it ... and that's all that really matters.

Thanks all. Yes, I bought it to have a piece of history and to enjoy it so I'm happy regardless of if it's been pieced together or not. If it has been, as it seems to be, whoever did it was very good. Everything looks correct and in great shape, but I thought it was just too nice to be original.

Cruzans,

$1000. for a cosmetically nice shooter is not crazy. And, you get to shoot it. Consensus on the forum is that the Winchester "white box" bulk ammo works great.

KFS

Sorry for delay deputywood! Yes, you are correct, on the magazine that has matching serial number there is a suffix of "i".