Saw a "S" code rig today
 

Was set up at the local gun show today and a guy brings up a Luger to show a guy across from me. I asked to see the gun after he was done. Found out he was starting to get back into Luger collecting and was showing off a recent find.
That find happened to be a beautiful HK S code. From what I remember it had 98%+ high polish blue 99-100% straw, brown plastic fine checkered grips. It was housed in an E/2 (on inside) marked holster with E/2 loading tool and two matched mags. Unfortunately forgot the serial number.
I asked him how much he was going have to give for it, he said in the $4000-$5000 range! I don't know if that is good or not?


I did give him the forums web address so maybe he will post more details here?

Doug,

Do you have the guys name or contact info?

Tom A.

Reality check. Is it possible to have 100% straw? Does that indicate reconditioned parts? Just curious.

From what I have seen the last couple of years, it is almost acceptable to re-straw parts?

But it doesn't seem right to me? Whats the difference in restrawing or rebluing?

I get nervous anytime a gun is over 95%, and the collectors who have the higher end, get really defensive if you ask questions on the gun being so pristine...

Blayne,
I understand where you are coming from about dealers getting defensive when asked about restored Lugers. But I have seen some real good restored Lugers and I have wondered if the reduced prices were justified. While, as a collector, I search for minty guns, I sometimes think that the beautifully restored guns are knocked down too much. Now my comment does not cover the re-blued guns that have been hacked to death or the very rare Lugers which may in fact be counterfeited with restoration possibly hiding altered parts or marking.

On the strawing, the locking bolt is a tough part to restraw without rounding the surface. Amatuers will frequently screw this part up.

I have used the services of a top notch restorer and have been satified with his work. It does bother me when someone asks if one of his guns were restored. I think that if the gun is so good that you have to ask, then the restoration is good enough. Many of the people who ask also walk away without buying no matter what you say. So why do they ask?

Now if the gun is being sold on the internet, then the question is a legitimate and almost a required question. If the seller here says that the parts are all original, that does not mean that it has not been restored. It just means that the parts are original. You have to watch the wording. Words do mean something.
Big Norm

Tom, I do not know the guy. The gun was not for sale at this time as he was the prospective buyer. I think that he took my card because I told him that I might be selling some of mine later. If I see him or hear back I'll post or send you a PM.

Jimbo, I do believe that it is entirely possible to have 100% straw after many years. I have some 1900 AE's that still retain at least 60% after almost 100 years! In fact if you check out my 1908 Commercial 1908 P.08
It does have some loss, but I would still rate it at 96%. With proper care or just dumb lick they can survive. :)

Thanks Doug.

Tom A

Hello Doug,

Very strong 98-99% S-code HK's have been selling in the $ 4000 to $ 4500 price range the past year or so.

Add to that an HK proofed holster, 2 matching magazines (look at them carefully), and an HK tool; $ 5K would be a bargin...IMHO...

Regards,

Pete.. <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

If I saw that gun, assumiming originality, at that price, I'd be on it like ugly on an ape.

Tom A.