1936 S/42 Newbie question
 

First of all I am new to the forum. I think I have another addiction.

A cousin obtained a 1936 S/42 Luger from a WWII vet. I do not have pics and he doesn't use a computer. The gun itself is in exccellent condition. I have looked at it and seems to be origional. Everything including the grips are the same serial number with the exception of the clips. The holster has the eagle emblem on the flap but whatever was on the left side is missing. It is dated 1936 on the back. The tool is still in the holster. Any value help would be appreciated.

The finish should be a rust blue, could you estimate the percentage of original finish remaining? How much wear is there on the grip straps and what is the condition of the bore? Any chips or dents in the grips? Are the clips of pre-1945 production, with intact pins, un-buggered bottoms, with clear markings and what are their numbers? Typically, GI's were fond of attaching captured insignia to holster flaps and unfortunately, the holes left when these are removed don't grow back. So, the value of the holster has probably been seriously compromised. Perhaps someone wants to jump in here, but all variables being constant, this sounds like a $1,500 gun.

The gun is very nice 95% good blue, bore in great shape grips are unblemished. One clip has the no. 91 with a script "n" and eagle below that the othe clip looks filed of on the bottom but is in working order.

Since it's a '36 and sounds like a nice one, I'd revise my estimate upward to about $1,750 retail. Book is probably higher, but that's a practical figure. A dealer will probably offer 50-70% of that. Hope this helps.