Wanting an artillery
 

I've decided that my next Luger purchase will more than likely be an artillery model. I am interested in one with 60-85 percent original finish with all matching numbers (mag could be mismatched). Simpson's has some nice ones but are priced more than I want to spend. Any chance I could find a decent artillery in the two grand range or I am I just going to have to bite the bullet and spend more?

383 Mag,
Suggest you get used to the taste of lead or be willing to accept a re-blued piece with gawd knows what inside.

Tom A

Probably going to get used to the taste of lead then or buy one in lesser condition. The price would have to be right before I would consider a reblued piece. The last internet auction I saw for a reblued one was a little more than $1,500 and the reserve wasn't even met.

This refinished piece may go cheap on the up-coming June G-M auction :

http://68.167.203.107:8050/FMPro?-db...12584808&-Find

It sure doesn't look to be refinished to me. Although the chamber date looks shallow. Note halos where halos should be.

I agree with Ron, that gun's not been refinished.

It didn't look refinished to me either.

You guys are correct.

Here was the ad wording :

" Condition: Very good as refinished. Retaining approximately 85-90% reblued finish with scattered wear to relief edges and minor spots of pitting beneath finish. "

I think the G-M folks have had some ads in their previous auctions wrong as well...having a redo listed as original, etc.

383 Mag,
I wish you had posted your request 24 hours earlier. I just sold (money is still in transit) a 1918 DWM artillery. It had the British proofs on the underside of the barrel and had been refinished. I personally think the British gov. did the refurb, as the straw was restored and the bluing looks very old. It was all matching inc. grips except for a mis-matched side plate. I went for $1500.
Mike

I have a reblued all matching unit marked 1917 LP08 for $2200 and an all original and matching 1917 LP08 with red nine grips (also Brit proofed) for $3500.

Red nine grips
 

Greetings, George,

Could you post a photo of your red nine grips, so I could compare with mine?

I can send a set of photos of a couple of mine to Ed and ask that he post them.

anytime Geo, I am watching movies, so anytime ;)

One of the first things that I look at when I look at a Luger is the 'Locking Bolt'. Its irregular shape and size makes it a difficult part to restraw for an amateur. They tend to roll their wrists while preparing the metal for restrawing. This guns 'Locking Bolt' looks pretty darn good to me. Only the grips look like they could be bad.

Just from looking at the pictures, I would think that this artillery would go for more than the estimated price. Just for fun sake, I will throw out an estimate of $2850 to $3000. I sure would like to see more pictures. :confused:
Big Norm

Greg Martin Auctions just invoiced me for this lot. It appears that I won the item with a $1,800.00 bid, inspired by my agreement with resident experts in regard to the originality of the finish. With a 15% buyer premium and a 8.25% sales tax, it adds up to $2,245.95. I will post more pictures after I get my hands on the gun.