Garage sale Luger pics
 

Reference my thread from last month in the military Luger section regarding my "garage sale" Luger. After reading Walter's Luger book on post 1919 commercials, it seems my 1916 Navy went through a conversion to become a comercial. No matter. For $400 (including a second mag. W.W. II issue proof eagle 63), I'm happy and content with this attractive little jewel no matter what it turns out to be. Not up to Thor's standards, of course, but all in all, a well done re-work and re-finish. Receiver was heavily buffed and re-finished with the Navy crowns above the M's buffed off and replaced by the serial number matched to the frame which appears to be original. Don't know if the receiver is original to the frame or not and simply renumbered after the rework. Both are dated 1916. All small serial number double digits on the smaller parts, bottom of trigger plate, safety and take down levers, hold open etc. appear original. Rear sight is a replacement with the original digits neatly "x' out and surmounted with a "72" to match the gun. Toggle train also appears to be a replacement due to a difference in the finish. Barrel has no markings at all, but sight base and blade as well as barrel and receiver have been struck with the proper alignment mark so whoever rebuilt this piece seems to have known what he was doing. Minor holster wear shows on the edge of the muzzle, frame rails and trigger plate so it would appear the gun was carried around for a considerable period at some time in the past. Will try to send pics one at a time starting with the left side. If nothing shows up, it's back gto the drawing board.

right side

3/4 view

left receiver

receiver and trigger plate (sorry pics are so large)

You might t hink about having a long email chat with Thor about what could be done to restore this one in an honest and traceable way to something more like its original condition. The toggle train with the navy sight frame still on it would lead me to looking into a restoration.

Walt, you got taken, as Ron S told me a couple of weeks ago, as NW native, I'll take it off of your hands! :D

Looks like you did more than ok to me :)

ed

Walt, That is one strange looking sideplate....Jerry Burney

Jerry, it is, from pic #2 it looks like an "outie" from pic number three, an "innie..."

Thought side plate might be a replacement myself, but then noted that the small '72' below the plate matches all the other two digit serials throughout the gun, so assume that it is the original. Guy I bought it from in his wifes garage sale says his Dad picked it up in France in the 50's when in the military, shot it a few times and then wrapped it up and put it away in an old backgammon box where I found it. He also threw in about 200 rounds of ammo along with the 2nd mag, not to mention the backgammon box.

Nice find Walt. Some guys have all the luck.... :-) It might not be the most collectable version of whatever... but it sure does look nice and will be one of the best looking shooters on the range. Golly, for $400 how could you possibly go wrong?

Very nice, thanks for sharing.... :-)