New pics on the New Collectors Forum
 

Hello. I have added some new pics to my 'Newboy with questions' thread on the New Collectors Forum. Please enjoy.

I'll add the pictures here. Is Simpson's REALLY the place to go for an honest evaluation and appraisal?

A few more

When I first posted here using some not-to-clear pics, Mr. Ron Wood commented that perhaps the members of this board could help me establish value vs. an "official" appraisal from Simpson's or the like. Any input appreciated. Thanks

Hi Bill, Simpsons is far and away the biggest Luger dealer in the U.S. and, as such, an appraisal from them would carry the most weight with your insurance company. Several of this forum's members could tell you what your gun is worth but that's not what you need. Regards, Norm

why wouldn't they be? There are lots of folks who can give you an appraisel. Is this for you to just find out about it, or to sell or for insurance? (most guns in my opinion aren't worth putting on as a seperate rider)


Ed


PS: Since I searched for the other thread, I see that folks thought this was worth a lot. I think its valuable, but not as much as they stated. But sending it to be appraised is one way, Simpson's charges for this and you pay shipping both ways, but this is a good way for you to find out what its worth.

Great pics, of a beautiful piece.

FN

Beutiful M1900AE. Almost too perfect for a 100+ year old gun. If it turns out to be a restoration, that will have an impact on it's value. Unless you need a written appraisal for insurance purposed, I would think that you could learn a lot, walking it around one of the larger gun shows in your area and see what kind of offers you get and then doubling the average as a retail replacement price. TH

I sincerely appreciate your comments. I know that all you have is my word BUT...I guarantee that this gun has never had any work, of any kind, ever done to it. It has been in my family since who knows when and I personally know it's history since the early 50's. It came to my dad from my grandfather along with several other interesting guns. One of which is a Parker Bros. double CHE grade which I used for hunting from 1957-1974. Thanks again.

Sorry...forgot to ask. Isn't there a large gun show soon in Las Vegas? Seems like it might be worth the cheap airfare etc. to get this done.

Bill, You can use google; do a search of gun shows and whatever state and that would show you where local shows are.

BE ADVISED; That Unless you take it to luger guys, you will get all kinds of wild estimates, most completely wrong, either waaaaaaay too high or waaaay to low.


Thus, why Bob Simpson was mentioned, they deal in lots of guns, but know their lugers. As do many members here.

Also, again no offense, but restorers have worked for years and if the gun was made in 1901 or 1902, there is a period of 50 yrs where you know nothing about the gun. That said, a restore that was done 50 yrs ago will show patina...

I think its probably right as rain, but we as collectors run across guns alll the time that are boosted and restored. all the time/././././


Heck, I am no expert, but I am pretty darn good and the company me and Tom runs can do appraisals. Any in person appraisal costs around $100 plus your shipping.


Ed

Ed,

If you want to send me info as to ship to address, turn around time etc.. in a PM, or here on the board, I would appreciate having same.

I really do need to have the gun looked at by experts. Thanks.

Bill

Bill,

The Show in Las Vegas is next week at the Riveria Hotel. I have had a few Lugers in my hands over the years. Yours does not look restored or refinished at all.

Regards,
Mike Jones

It is always difficult to tell from photos, but from what I can see I agree with Mike, your gun does not look restored.

Your pistol looks right as rain to me. The last thing I would do with it is let a bunch of gun show yahoos get their paws all over it. maybe drop it on a concrete floor. NO WAY! Best way to get it screwed up I think. I have seen too many boneheads mistreat fine antique weapons. I once saw a guy who knew Lugers slip a wood bottom mag into the pistol and then slap it into the pistol with the heel of his hand like you see in the movies! Needless to say.. I immediately grabbed it away from him.

Jerry Burney

A policeman checking the firearms at the door of a gunshow I attended did that to one of my Lugers. The wood bottom split. Half of the wood bottom and the spring flew out on the floor. I politely explained to him that it was over a hundred years old, and NOT a Glock. I picked up the parts and walked away.

Thanks for all the advice. I need it obviously. I am going to send it to Simpsons for appraisal and authentification.

TIG welding was not perfected until 1941. Initially, the then new technology cost a lot, obviously not an option for Luger restoration at that time. I would think it's impossible to do lots of magic without appropiate tools. Say, the gun was excellent before 1950, and grandpa loved home amateur gunsmithing, so rebluing for no reason? Highly unlikely. Even if he did, how professional the job could possibly look like? That's the context.

Post war has many possibilities, but Bill knows it's recent 50 years. And the gun itself looks great. If a gun can be restored to this shape, I accept it.

Please let us know what Simpson says.

Thanks and will do. Waiting for call back from brother-in-law who is an avid gun collector/police officer. I need someone with an FFL/C&R to finalize shipping prior to sending it out.

I wonder, is an FFL or C&R needed to sent it to Simpson's for appraisal? The pistol would return to you and their would be no change in ownership.

Very kindly, David