Restorations & Value
 

I have been seeing a few Lugers advertised as restored or restorations. They look very good, but how does such restoration impact the value of a collectible Luger? Are there any guidelines or "rules of thimb"? I am sure this has been asked before, so if there is a thread I should look at, please point me in the right direction. Thanks

This has been discussed before, but a while at least :D.

Ed's opinion;

1. restores are pretty, but won't rise as much in value, compared to originals in 60-70% shape
2. a restored rare piece is better than nothing (or a "placeholder piece")
3. a unrestored is better than a restored piece, to me ;)
4. you see restored's for sale on Simpson's, Rock Island, etc, and it seems to me, they never have the value a lot more than the price of a unrestored, slightly rough piece, with the addition of the price of a good restore (not the price of just a reblue)
5. It sure seems many collectors prefer a "pretty" piece to a piece without much bluing...

Ed

I love the ugly unwanted Pieces. You cant make them a Virgin again as many think. Here are some of my favorites and very rare on some. Rick B

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/...cture_2455.jpg

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/...cture_1430.jpg
http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/...cture_1426.jpg

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/.../Savage992.jpg

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/...85GoodShot.JPG

An original condition Luger is almost like cash in the bank. It will most likely appreciate but you will not lose money.

A reblued luger will not be more than a shooter. You may find someone who will pay you more than you paid for it but that is unlikely unless considerable time elapses. Most "restorations" involve consider expense in the refinishing and the seller needs to get as much out as he can to break even. Avoid them unless they are truly at a shooter price.

Thanks for the advice. The pictures are great and I think there is something to be said for the well used piece. I guess I have heard so much about looking for 95% bluing and straw, that I was ignoring a lot of pieces I should be considering.

Glad to hear it. By the way, the FOX rifles is a real nice bore, Krag used at Fox Sudios many years ago. They beat it to death for movies and the 100185 Winchester is one of 34 known to exist form the Winchester Educational order that got them the Garand contract in WWII. I owned two at one time also had 100434. Someone would pass on this in a heart beat not knowing it was a super rare piece. Its worth allot of green. That is why I look for the worn pieces plus theres allot of history in them. Good luck Rick B