A WWII Bringback story with pics.....
 

As some of you may know from reading another thread, I had told JD about my uncle's bringback Luger while talking with him on the 1911Forum. JD ask that I post about it here

My uncle Albert Maxwell PXXXX ("Max") was in the 101st Airborne, 506 Regiment, Company "C"- The "Band of Brothers" was the same unit except Co. "E" as you may remember. He was in the unit from the start and participated in all of the operations including the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne, and he was wounded in Holland.
I don't know how he got the Luger except that "It came off a dead German"
Max never told many stories about this time, but my dad remembers one about when he another guy were sent back to the rear to get chow for his unit. There were at the mess waiting on the food to be readied and a "New Guy" (Clean Uniform) passed and Max and his buddy bummed a couple cigarettes. They BS'd and bummed some more cigarettes off the guy and when they were leaving, the cook ask Max if he knew who that guy was. Turned out it was Gen. McAuliffe of "Nuts" fame.

Max passed away a couple years ago and I had ask my Aunt if my younger brother could have the Luger to keep it in the family.
As I had mentioned in the other thread, Max always said "You to could have been a Man" and become Airborne when talking to me or someone else about the service, but he was always the first to buy me a beer when I came home on leave.

So here are the pics- I would say it is 90-95% condition - a 1938 Mauser..Sorry JD, no KRIEGHOFF here! Also, It obviously is NOT FOR SALE, but I am curious as the value. All matching numbers. Mags do not have matching numbers



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ue3/luger3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ue3/luger2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ue3/luger1.jpg

(Continued)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...lue3/mags1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...e3/holster.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...e3/papers2.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...e3/papers1.jpg

And one more for you 1911 fans....My dads 1918 Colt and the Luger.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1.../luger1911.jpg


I know this was a bit long, but I figured you all would find it interesting.

Take care,

Art

Art
That is a great story. And two really nice pistols.
Semper-Fi
Russ

Art...

I'll let someone who is a Mauser collector reply regarding the value of your Uncle's Luger - but, seeing as you know the history from within your family - I'm guessing it's truly "priceless"..

Simply an amazing story - terrific pictures - and a wonderful post...

Thanks for sharing....

:cheers:

John D.

Damn nice Colt. The Luger is also but I'm a Colt nut.

Art, very nice. I collect stories such as this, eventually want to publish a booklet. Can I use this story and pictures? Is the Colt a bring back, or did they buy it in the states?

Ed

Art. Really nice. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

Being that it is a family bring back w/papers it's priceless to you! Nice 1911 too.Is it also a bring back? I would look on the boards of several of the good dealers to check value and then add some more to that for insurance policy. It is truly un-replaceable!!!

Guys, sorry to say the Colt has no family history other than the fact my dad bought it from some guy for $200 10 years or so ago. Well, that is IS a pretty good history in itself, isn't it? What a deal. Anyway, I am sure it has some history and I only wish I knew what it was.

Ed: I will get back to you on using the story and pics.


Take care all,

Art

Ed:
 

It is ok to use what I have posted. Good luck with your book.

All the best,
Art

Thanks Art, I always give credit to the orginal author and let them "tell" the story.


Ed

Isn't it beautiful how the serial numbers and other markings just jump out at you on an original Luger that hasn't been messed with. Great pictures.
Big Norm

Update 1-29-05
 

For those of you interested in the Colt, my Dad gave it to me a few weeks ago and I have posted a thread on the 1911 forum with some pics etc. I don't think John would mind that I post the link here:

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=105311

Take care,
Art