Help evaling a 1936/42
 

I'm possibly working a trade on a 1936/42 that seems to have at least a non-matching side plate. The fellow who owns it is in another state and sent me the following so-so photos. He describes Waffen Ampts and says there is very small lettering on the underside of the barrel that reads, c.i.a. s1 alb. I'm assuming that is an importer mark. He says the magazine is matching. Based on these photos and what I've described would anyone be willing to venture a ballpark value? He says he thinks the finish is original. Before I would commit to anything I'd ask to examine the gun.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/samluger1.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/samluger2.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/samluger3.jpg

Jim,
* An imported reblued non-matching P.08.
* Reblued: Doubtful this is the original Mauser RUST BLUED finish. Looks Salt blued. The small parts do not show the original straw finish; but, are instead blue in color. Safety, trigger, takedown latch, ejector, & mag release were all strawed on 1936 Mauser Militaries.
* The toggle code of "42" is from a 1939-1940 vintage Luger. The correct toggle code for a 1936 Mauser is "S/42".
* No pictures of the magazine; but, I would be highly suspicious & very wary. Large size/ different font numbers on the mag bottom from what is seen on the pistol would indicate a scrubbed/re-numbered mag. Depending on the letter suffix of the pistol, the tube could either be "in the white" or blue with an aluminum, side pinned base plug. Should have a droop winged eagle over 63 (dE/63) acceptance on the base plug. Generally, blue tubed after the "m" block.
* The above, coupled with the reported mismatch numbered side plate and Century Arms, St Albin, Vt. Importer's mark has eliminated this example from a collector's standpoint.
* As a "shooter", the market is about $525 +/- $75 for the pistol only. With the well worn/bruised/damaged grips, I'd lean toward the lower side of this $ range if I was to make an offer (which I'm not) IMHO.
* Trust this helps.
Respectfully,
Bob

Thanks. A deadly honest, more informed opinion than I, is what I was looking for.

Did they use rust blue that late in the game on the Luger anyway???

Hi Johnny. Mauser did until 1937.

Gerben, actually until about April or May 1937.