Nicest Stoeger I've ever seen!
 

Just when you think you've seen the prettiest luger ever, something like this surfaces! Note that Harry Jones in Luger Variations, page 165 says that "A few of these Lugers are without stock lugs."

Very Nice!

Here is a box for it:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIte...Item=144415443

Steve, what a find! I wish the box was in as good a shape as the Luger!

Yes, it would be a no brainer if the box was as good as the pistol.

I agree with Dr. The box should be a little bit better to match this stone mint Stoeger . A comparable box vs gun condition can be seen here:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=144196982

Sorry, not a Parabellum. But box condition is independent of gun type, and this is a perfect match.

Doc,

A very nice looking gun. Could you show us pictures of the proofs on the barrel, breechblock, and receiver? Also, how about a picture of the rear grip strap?

--Dwight

Dwight, the proofs are all C/N's, as expected.

Everything is pointing so far to this Luger pistol being genuine, and it practically appears to be unfired-mint - the strawed parts show no handling whatsoever. Based on the images above, I can agree with the overall consistency (including the fire-blue parts), and the fading/discoloration on the grip screws gives a positive sign of only the slightest handling.

If this Luger would be determined by an expert, after an inhand examination, that it could be refinished, it would be the BEST restoration I have ever seen. I give this Stoeger Luger a thumbs-up because I wonder whether the best restorer in the world could match this level or quality, workmanship and precision for the amount of time it would take to complete such a job.

Albert

If only he had consulted a good wood worker for the recheckering of the grips...

IMHO this is a restored piece. Even a slightly handled original example will show traces of wear and handling. The checkering of the grips, especially around the back areas, indicates that they were either poorly done originals or refreshed at some stage.

The straw especially will fade over the years, creating a slightly speckled appearance.

My personal opinion: if it is too good to be true, it usually isn't.


ps: since boxes are rarer than the pistol, it's surprising that it is only at some $75 at the moment. If I were in the states I'd be all over it.

Hello Vlim,

I agree to a large extent what you say: "if it is too good to be true, it usually isn't". However, if we give this Luger the benefit of the doubt based on the images, I would say that the grips are the correct color and original according to image #3 above. I would have liked to see some faint speckling on the strawed parts, but without any, it's a hard call only with images. I would like to see some images of the front sight and the muzzle.

I could be wrong about the authenticity of this pistol, and if I am, I want to find out you did the restoration - it's damn perfect!

Albert

I have never seen a like-new pre-1945 Luger like this, but I have seen a few like-new post war Interarms Mauser. If those Mausers continue being stored in proper way, I bet their appearance won't change much 50 years later -- they are already 30 years old and they still look new today, even better, coming with like-new box, target paper, etc, etc. Fifty years later, those Interarms will be 80, same as this Stoeger in 2009.

So, theorically, it's possible a few Stoegers went that way in America. That's the context.

====

[Edit] Above is on context only though. Experts please continue on the particular sample.

either way- it sure is pretty!

I have a 1963 Shooter's Bible. It has an article on Stoeger Lugers. At this time records only revealed there were only 3 sales EVER in the United States. Of course that has since changed but my GOD is this a beauty! Hans Tauscher was considered an illegal alien and importation stopped. I don't covet too much, it is unhealthy, but my god do I wish this was mine!