1917 with million dollar chip
 

I looked at an artillery yesterday that had the chip out of the grip. It is a 1917, SN 1466 (light was not good enough to see what alpha character was present), all number matching except the mag. Did not remove the grips. Are Artillery grips normally numbered like other parts? Could I replaced the grips and enhance the gun any. He wants $1500. Finish is good, about 85% to 90% blue and easily 95% on straw. Sorry no photos.
I don't need this gun but if there is a way to make it a good collectible, I might go for it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Send the left grip to Mr Hugh Clark. He can repair it so that only by looking at the back can one detect the repair.

I also was wondering if the 1917 artillery's came with the grips being numbered to the gun? Also, if they are what value difference there is between like guns with or without the matching grips? Thanks, Curt

Some folks are real picky about matching numbers and will turn up their nose at mis-matched grips. As for me, I couldn't care less. Three parts that do not bother me at all if they do not match are grips, firing pin and hold open. These guns were working guns and saw combat. Parts fail and are replaced, with these three parts being particularly subject to the hardships of use. Given that the rest of the Luger is matching and in nice original condition I will not deduct from the value for any or all of these parts not matching, nor am I willing to pay an exorbitant premium if they do match.

I am still wondering if it was originally issued with the grips numbered to the gun? Thanks, Curt

They were issued with grips numbered to the pistol.

If there is a small chip out of a matching grip, how much would you think it effects the value of the Luger? Is it better to repair the grip or leave it as is?

Joe

Joe I am sure you will get varied answers on this.. Personally a small chip out of a grip on a nice matching luger is almost meaninless. If the price was in the ball park and I wanted the gun it would be no detraction. I do not expect 60-90 year old guns to look new. They were built to use. Original lugers with perfect grips and bluing with matching mags are very rare. Bill

For $1500, if there isn't any pitting, the gun is a bargain. A period original, wood bottom magazine would add a little to the value. Repro grips would more than likely hurt you more than help. The 1917 artillery was a transition year for adjustible front and rear sights. If this artillery has both sights adjustible, then this adds a little cache to the gun, but not much to the value.
Big Norm

Norm, are you saying to repair or leave as is the chipped grip? Thanks for your advice.