LugerForum Discussion Forums - Advice on first Luger purchase, please?

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Advice on first Luger purchase, please?

Bob, I would say welcome, but I think you've been a member for a long time, just didn't post much ;)

A "shooter", reblued goes for around $600-$700, nazi era ones seem to sell a bit faster. Is it all matching?

The holster appears to be one of those norweigien ones that was modified then put back to original specification (i.e. the plugged holes), so i would say worth of the holster is around $100 or so. Is there an original tool or any extra magazines? If so, add a bit...

ed

Edward,
Thanks so much for the quick reply...:) I've been a member for a while, but couldn't post much, since I had no Lugers...:)

Yes, it is all matching, except for the magazine. There is no tool in the holster, nor is there an extra magazine.
If the holster is Norwegian, does that mean the markings were added post-war?

Thanks very much,
Bob.

Hi Bob,

The Holster itself, including the markings is German Army production (epf: Koenigs- u. Bismarckhuette AG, Werk FalvaHuette in Schwientochlowitz, Poland). When the Germans left Norway, a whole stockpile of equipment was left behind and the Norwegians took a very pragmatic view. They just started using the old German equipment themselves.

When they switched to the US-Style NATO field gear, including the US style web belts, the holsters had to be modified to make sure they could be attached to the US style belts. The leather loops on the back of the holster were cut off and a square leather piece, holding a metal web belt attaching piece was rivited to the back of the holster.

Norwegian soldiers in the 1970s. Note the P08 holster and the belt.
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...970s_copy1.jpg

These holsters came on the market the last 10 years or so and many were restored to their former configuration. The web belt attachment was removed, the loops were replaced and the holes left behind by the rivets were plugged in. Since many different people worked on these holsters, the quality of the alterations differs from 'vary bad' to 'very good'. This holster is somewhere in between, it seems. Not too badly done.

In my opinion the 'Norwegian' hoster in the Norwegian configuration (with the web belt hanger in place) has a certain, although low, collector version. The restored holsters are just that: restored and in my eyes have a value that's lower than the Norwegian configuration and much, much lower than a holster in original condition.

This is how the back of the holster would have looked while in Norwegian service:
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/1916_back.jpg

Hmmm... Norway has many beauties serving in the Army...... sorry for not looking at that holster.

Quote:

Originally posted by alvin
Hmmm... Norway has many beauties serving in the Army...... sorry for not looking at that holster.

Yeah, we where and still is the best looking army in the world:D

Quote:

Originally posted by G. van Vlimmeren
When they switched to the US-Style NATO field gear, including the US style web belts

Not just 'style', these where (or 'is', as many are still in service) given to us by the Marshal Aid
LINK .
As a result of that, a lot of the equipment on the picture would be stamped 'US ARMY'.

A small quiz;
what type of firearm is the one to the right carrying? The winner wins the bayonet down to the right :)

Steinar, thanks for that info. I was looking at a stack of these belts during the last show I visited. Should have bought one :)

Excellent combination: US field gear and German fire arms.

Gerben, patience my friend;)
If you like, I can donate you a unused belt (+ the cross-belts), just need a little time.. I have it in my 'second home' in Trondheim, I'm there so often.
My previous job was in the military, so naturally quite a lot of 'stuff' piled up over the years.. Just happy to see some of it gone! Will PM you later on.

Steinar,

Thanks for the offer! Really appreciate that.

The gun to the right of the photograph appears to be an early Cetme or HK G3

Quote:

Originally posted by alanint
The gun to the right of the photograph appears to be an early Cetme or HK G3

:thumbup:
Close enough!

It's a HK G3, but since about 50% of it is licence produced for the Norwegian army by Kongsberg, with some minor changes from the G3.. it's an 'AG3'. You're now a lucky owner of a unused AG3 bayonet made by Kongsberg! ;) PM on it's way

Thanks!
Once in a while I get lucky!

The grips on this Luger that started this thread are not original, and are ill-fitting. Could someone recommend a replacement set of grips that are good quality, fit well, and won't break my limited budget?

Thanks very much,
Bob.

Since you got your answer to the value question, I thought the tread was pretty much 'dieing out' like all of the other 'value'-treads. Sorry for drifting..

You can try Brownell's, GPC, Sarco (probably others also..?) and ask for Vintage grips, they are quite nice. You will need to do some fitting to them. A second alternative would be to order Nills grips from Germany, they are very nicely made.