Help please
 

First off let me say this is my first post and I am new to what appears to be a very passionate hobby, so I would appreciate your patience and understanding. While I shall continue to do my own independent research I would appreciate any help the forum at large can offer.

The Story:

My grandfather in Europe during WWII managed to obtain a German Rifle, on the boat back to the U.S. he met up with another GI who obtained a Luger in a similar fashion. The man being a hunter decided he had use for a rifle rather then a pistol and traded it to my grandfather. Obviously it became an heirloom of sorts and was given to my father after my grandfather passed away from a heart attack. Unfortunately our house was burglarized a few years ago and the Luger was among the things taken, far more valuable then any of the stereo equipment also taken.

I would like to see what it would take to obtain a replacement. While it may not have the same sentimental value I would at least like to explore the option and see what is possible.

Unbeknowst to me was how many different models there are. I believe I have identified it based on observation only, It is the second one from the bottom but I can not quite read the exact model numberhttp://www.inewscatcher.com/timages/...5ec6b23566.jpg

My questions for the forum experts are as follows:

What kind of Luger is the one I managed to identify?
What would the cost of an authentic replacement run? (assuming it is in realitivly good condition?)

Scott, welcome to the forum. If it has a grip safety it could be 1 of several models.

If looking for a replacement a standard WW2 model that would have been common to be picked up would suffice?

A grip safety is less likely to have been used by the germans during the war, so it is possible, but less liky that what I stated above as a replacement.

There are $600 reblued guns, there are $1000-$1200 guns that are nice WW1 or WW2 unmessed with guns in nice, decent shape; then the value goes up for condition being extra special to being matched magazine(s) or rarer varations.


Ed

Hi Scott,
This poster is made up of rather rare and exspensive variations. The second from the bottom is a .45 cal. US Test Luger. One of two known to exist. One of them was sold at auction a few months ago for over $500,000. There are over 500 variations. Prices of nice all original Lugers start at about $1000 and go up. The majority seem to be between $1500 to $2500.

I assume that it is not that special MFC. I had my father point out which one best matched the one he remembered, but it has been a while. I believe he was comparing it to the others in terms of realitive size and shape. What kind would have been common for a solider to pickup in WWII? Are there any known dealers that are especially reputable for these? Also if you could elaborate on reblue, I am unfamiliar with such a term. Thank you for your speedy response and help. It is largely apparent I came to the right place

I think I gave advice above... ;)

I can go into detail, but do some searches and see what has previously sold here; read some posts, read the FAQ, etc


Ed

You may want to surf various web sites, including Simpson Ltd. to get a firmer idea of what model that you want.
Good luck.
dju

The Lugers manufactured by Mauser from the mid 1930's through 1942 are well made pistols that would have been used through World War II. I like them, and would recommend looking for one of them.

There are many variations, some rare, some more common.

The parts on Lugers are mostly numbered to match the serial number on the frame (in front by the trigger guard) and barrel. Those places got the complete number. Other numbered parts got the last 2 digits.

Look for a gun with all of these parts matching. It's the way most guns brought back from Europe would have been maintained.

Refinishing a Luger drops it's interest and value to collectors. You may not care about this, and will find less expensive guns that often were competently done.

You want a military proofed gun, rather than a commercial one. Original finish and grips, or as close as possible to this. Avoid nickel plated and extensively decorated guns.

You should be able to find one of these for around $1000 or less.

A few years ago, the Russians / East Germans sold off their stock of Lugers that had been captured after the way, and used by their police forces. These were sold for less than $500 by importers. Most were poorly refinished, and most have replacement parts and electro-penciled marks to "force match" them. I've seen a few that were very nicely done, and those might be less expensive when they become available.

The better way to ask might be to estimate your budget for a Luger and ask for suggestions on what to look for at that price range...

Marc

Looking at production numbers alone the biggest Luger runs produced by Mauser for the Nazi military, as far as anyone can determine, were the 42 Code 1940 Dated, the byf Code 41 Dated and the byf Code 42 dated, I believe. So, perhaps odds are ...