Gun I can purchase
 

I am offered a 1917 Artillery in very good shape. 70 % strawing, 85-90 % bluing; little wear, very good barrel, complete rig with numbers matching including mag. The wooden shoulder stock is original and very good. The little boot-like cover on the bottom tip of holster is worn and bad looking; otherwise holster is very good. Grips are in good shape. What's she apt to be worth?? Any rough hints?

pictures?


We hate to give a value when we can't see it. I have seen folks ask, then a month later pictures are posted and its a nickled, buffed luger. My % and your percent can be totally different.

Is the leather original or reproductions?


Ed

I know the problem of lack of pictures. I examined it but didn't have advance warning of the chance to see and take a look, so no camera. I have three holsters and this one looks like an old original to me. It has the cleaning rod and take down tool. An old friend who has been into lugers for 35 years or so knows the owner and has know the gun, etc. for many years. He says they are they reral McCoys.

Thanks

Jack

Jack, As Ed says it's virtually impossible to give any type of meaningful/useful estimate without seeing the rig. Especially when it is unknown if the holster & stock are original. Almost any complete Artillery pistol would bring a minimum of $900. Good matching specimines bring $3000 plus.
Holsters can be a $98.00 knockoff or an $800 original in good shape.
Stocks, $150.00-250 repro to an original for $800-1200.
You have to know what your looking at.

Jerry Burney

You have given me some very good guidance. The price I'm working on is within those frames of reference, so I know how to proceed and be on the cautious side. Its odd to see the stock at such high dollars. The holster I had a feel for. The cleaning rod I figured for $100 + and the take down tool (it may be numbered, too I forget) at $50+.
Thanks, so much. I would put in the thank you symbol but don't know how.
Jack

Does the serial number on the stock iron match the pistol?

How about pitting??? Does it have fine-tune front and/or rear sight??? What is the complete serial number (including the letter below the serial)??? How is the checkering on the grips???

It's a buyers market; I don't collect arty's, but have been watching them for over a year now on GB, and for just the pistol, $1200 - $1500 seems to be average (non-fine tune)...there have been some "sell" for more, but they turned up again a few weeks later...(Or didn't sell and were relisted)...

This is for average condition arty's; not collector grade...and this is my own personal observation and I'm welcome to it... :rolleyes:

don't know those answers but will observe
 

I didn't observe the items you mentioned but will checkout prior to purchasing. Its a bona fide collectible as far as I know. It been a part of a collection for many years. The entire unit still has the oil and grime coverings from the 90 years on them. The've never been cleaned up. I looked at it, but only to appreciate it. I will check it better if I can make the purchase. The holster looks genuine. The wear, coloring, smell, etc. appear to be genuine. I've only been into WWII for a couple of years but know guns pretty well. Have built a couple and have a few. Still don't feel that I know much and certainly not enough. When shelling out a few thousand for a gun you always have that sense and are leery that you could be buying a pig in a poke. I wasn't aware until recently about the adjustable sights and the windage factor built in. I've not purchased an Arty, just want one as my father brought one back and it didn't get saved due to some family interference, etc.
I appreciate the insights. That all I expected when I asked for help and couldn't provide pictures. I didn't expect an exact price quote. Just some guidance.
And much thanks to all.
I'm learning lots about this site. It is unreal.
as always,
Jack

Even if all the components are original be careful, as I recall a dealer in Texas a few years ago, who would "find" you a matching LPO8 rig with matching stock, holster and 3 matching mags. TH

I saw a DWM 1917 rig in a local store last year. 80-85% with matching stock, came with holster, rod, tool, and a drum magazine. Looks original to me. Listed price was either $5500 or $5000 I cannot remember. I would assume talking down a few hundred was not a problem if I really wanted it, but I had other plans so I didn't ask. Later on, it was sold to someone else.