S/42 dated 1938 - value?
 

Hello,
I'm looking to purchase my first luger. I'm finding out that the only way to learn about these guns and their value is to pick the brains of experienced collectors.
I found this gun for sale and would like to get an idea of it's value and if there are any issues or things i should be aware of.
Thanks in advance for your time.

here is the seller's discription:
"Overall condition is EXC with 98% original bluing, the only wear being from holstering at the edges and some light scratches/nicks near the takedown lever from disassembly. Bore condition is EXC and this pistol appears to have been fired very little during its service life, as there is ZERO brass residue and a good amount of original blue finish on the bold face. Bore condition is EXC with great shine. I have never disassembled or shot this pistol, having only ever kept the metal surfaces lightly oiled and the piece stored in a climate-controlled safe, as I have with all of my original, collectible pieces.

This pistol has stamped, all-matching numbers except for the magazine, which is the correct, wartime aluminum-bottomed type. It also comes with an original leather holster in EXC condition, as pictured.

I acquired this pistol through the grandson of the U.S. soldier who brought it back, a paratrooper who's name is lightly scratched into the front strap and more heavily into the holster, as well. His initials are lightly scratched onto the bottom of the magazine. The right-hand wood grip is also etched with Loska's initials, also. These marks are part of the pistol's history so I do not feel they detract from it at all."

http://s903.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=Luger001.jpg

Yossi,

Generally speaking it looks very nice. In my opinion, the previous owner's name and initials scratched on grip, etc. do detract from the value, even if it was a vet bring back. There is no way to determine whether the internal parts match without disassembling the gun. You did not mention the price. KFS

Yossi
If you are looking for a collector grade or are paying collector grade price these marks do make a big difference. If you wish to sell it someday they will also make a big difference. If the price is right I would probably buy it ,if not no. I recently sold a 1920 commercial which was Krieghoff back frame inscribed. It had initials faintly inscribed in the safety well. This cost me $400 in value. They do not add to the historical value. Bill

thanks for the input guys.
the price asked is $1400...
is that about right???

Yossi
I can only say I would not pay $1400 for this gun. With the numerous initials it is almost to a shooter price IMHO. I would rather have more finish missing than the initials. Bill