Help with value 1917
 

I inherited this Luger from my collector Uncle. It's a 1917 DWM. No accessories. All numbers match except the mag. Having problems with valuation as I am not sure how to rate the amount of finish that is left on the barrel. Thanks in advance for the help.

Digital pictures posted online always exaggerate pits & scratches; I'm sure your arty looks much better when viewing it with the naked eye. I like the patina.

Yours has a fine-tune rear sight; can't tell about the front...but the front sight blade seems to have a notch filed in the rear slope???

I'm not into artillery Lugers...Hopefully, someone will chime in about it...If I had to make a WAG, I'd say it would sell for $1700+ on GB...

Edit: Yes; you have a fine-tune front sight also...make my GB bid $1900+...

The notch is bad...Looks like someone has also added a drop of braze to the top, as a "sighting aid"...

Now if it were me, I'd try getting hold of an original unmodified fine-tune front sight...(and my bid would be back to $1700)... ;)

Value:$1000-$1200

I agree with "postino", approx. $1700. The finish appears to be around 65-70%, and if it has all matching numbers.

Ron

Thanks for the info guys....much appreciated!

You might check with Lugerdoc about getting an original fine-tune front sight (without the notch!)...he may (or may not) have one...

Will it detract from the value if I replace the original sight....as it has the serial number on it?

Focal, DO NOT replace ANY numbered part!

Both Postino, Ron and Ed have placed a higher value on this old Soldier than I would. The pitting and finish, lack of straw.. drop it almost into a shooter catagory.

Have you checked the internal numbers? Also rear sights on these have a lot of numbers..do all sight numbers check out? Grips numbered to the pistol?

A lot depends on how quickly you want to sell. It would sell immediately at Bob's estimate of $1000..probably do about as well at $1200. $1500 is an estimate I would be comfortable with not knowing more about it such as the bore condition.
Anything much over $1500 will exclude shooter buyers and true Artillery collectors are looking for one in much better condition. At $1700 it might get that much but it might be on the market for some time. Just hard to say...Artillery pistols are highly desirable both for collectors and shooters. Trouble is..prices have dropped..the economy is not what it was and squeezing top dollar out of these is not as easy as 2 years ago.

Jerry Burney