Needing expert evaluations...
 

I recently picked up a couple of Lugers, and concluded that I need money more than I need more pistols. One is a 1918 Erfurt rig with tool, holster,etc. But it is the other that I need assistance on.
It is a 1940 code 42, 2010L (I believe it's an L). The story I got was that the GI, an Ambulance driver, got it out of a supply depot at wars end, and that it was, at that time, new in the grease. The seller said it's been fired 4 times (4 rounds or 4 trips to the woods is unknown). And looking at the gun I'm not sure but what that isn't true. There are handling and storage marks, but overall the bluing is really in very much like-new condition. Breech face is blued and very few scratches on the bottom bolt carrier. Some bluing wear on the muzzle and high ridge on the side plate, a spot on the butt, wear on the stuck lug, and light marks from the toggle hitting the frame. One scratch on the left side of the frame from a steel cleaning rod in the holster. Some light scratches on the grips.
All numbers match, except the grips (un numbered) AND the magazines (which may shoot the new supply depot story all to He--...). Gun and one mag. are eagle over 655, that marked two times on the barrel extension. Several eagle/swastikas in the usual places. The second mag. is FXO un-numbered. Holster is marked 1939 and is very solid but doesn't look as good as the gun.
And papers. About 4-5 pages of bring-back papers, 2 of the usual certificates and several others basically authorizing this soldier to carry around the gun, 3 magazines, holster, no ammunition, etc. Sort of a get out of jail card, I guess.
Any suggestions on asking prices?
Here are a few pictures.

Hi,

The best way to establish if and how often a luger was fired, is to take a look at the toggle contact area at the frame (visible in your last photo). The blue will start to wear off pretty quickly, even after moderate use. I started documenting the wear patters on my reworked S/42 when I got it. After some 5000 shots it shows considerably less wear than the pistol in the bottom picture, so I guess the pistol was used and used well :)

Holster wear, on the other hand (muzzle and side plate island) develops pretty rapidly. Wear to the side plate was visible after only holstering it a couple of times.

War time pistols without wear to the muzzle area (left side) and side plate don't make me nervous, though. They are, 99% sure, refinished.

David, I would say in todays market about $650, i can send you my C&R tomorrow.


Seriously, I would think around $1600 for the rig minimum;

$300 for the two extra mags
$200 for the holster
$1100-$1300 for the luger

perhaps a bit more, but the market is funny right now and the 1940 42 is one of the most common.


Ed

Do the papers add to the value?, and if so, give me some idea of how much.
Thanks for your help!
DJU