New P-08 Collector
 

Hello all!
I am brand new to the forum and just started collecting P-08's.

I've been collecting TR medals/badges for a few years and have a fairly extensive collection and I'm very active on WAF, as the corrct forum is very very educational and helpful.

So now onto P-08's that I have loved since I was a kid , I'm 58.

To date I only have my grandfather's 1920 commercial & a complete matching number 42 byf with holster etc.

I've read a dozen or so books (none of Jan Still's as I cannot find them) and watch several vidoes as well.

My question and I apologize for this lenghty post, is what models should I initially acquire with an interest in WW I & WW II era models?

For 1933 to 1945 I would think the more common i.e. S/42, 42 etc.

No clue about WW I models would be best to add initially??

Sorry to impose, expecially from a newby like me, but any suggustions would be so very helpful.

Thanks so much!

Happy 234 Birthday USA!

Greg

Hi Greg, Welcome to the forum. There are over 300 different Luger variations, which is one of the reasons they interest collectors so much. Unless you have unlimited resources, you won't be able to acquire them all, so my advice is to decide which era or country interests you the most, and then focus on that. Your first step should be to hit the books! Good luck collecting. Regards, Norm

Thank you Norm!
Yep, that's why for now WWII era first & WWI era second.
Read a handful of books & looking for more.
Thanks again!
Greg

If you check on Amazon you can find books like Kenyon's "Lugers at Random" and also used copies of John Walter's "The Luger Story". Both are useful.

Jan Still's books were published privately and had limited distribution. You can occasionally see them become available here and from booksellers that specialize in firearm books.

There are apparently some new books coming in the next months... Keep your eyes open.

Marc

Second that. "Lugers at Random" is a good place to start. While it is dated, and has some errors it is a good first book. Maybe it's just around me, but I seem to be finding a lot of good Mauser era, lugers lately.

FN

Thanks guys!
I've picked up & read Lugers at Random, The Luger Story by J Walter, The Luger Pistol by F Datig, The Luger Handbook by A Davis, P-08 Handbook (the little yellowbook) & just ordered J Still's newer book on Imperials. J Still's other 2 luger books (Third Reich & Imperial) I can't find at a less that super high price.
Also I found Simpson's website selling ton's of Luger's & assessories. Are the a good dealer? Any other directions?
Greatly appreciate the help!
Greg

My suggestion is that you put your money away and promise yourself not to buy more Lugers for, say, 90 days. Then start watching/studying all the transactions going on. You may miss a great deal but you are more likely to avoid costly mistakes.
dju

Thanks David!
That's exactly what I have decided to do, wait for +- 90 days or so and study & educate myself.

That's what I did years ago when I started collecting TR medals/badges etc.

To date I only have my grandfather's 1920 commercial and my mint holstered "Black Widow."

Appreciate it a ton!
Greg

Well if your are going to start somewhere, those 2 Lugers are a very good place to begin. Say, you wouldn't have any knowledge of Nazi U-Boat sextants and their value would you?
dju

Hi David,
I primarily only collect Badges/medasl and have a nice group of Schwerin U-Boot badges.
I did see one cased Uboot sextant sell sometime in the last couple of years for +- $1200 I believe.
You can post pics on the WAF forum I belong to:
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/index.php
and the Kriegs guys can sure help you out with authenticy and maybe value. If not you can email me pics & I'll be happy to post them for you.
affjm96@wavecable.com
Greg

aff96, if you really mean holstered, the recommendation of this forum is
 

get it out of the holster and also do not buckle-up the holster when empty....store the weapon outside the holster...there are several leather experts on here who will guide you........

Yes, those are good books for general knowledge, the more specialized are good to get at a later date (Gibson's Krieghoff lugers, the Simson book, Navy Lugers, the specific markings and acceptance books, etc)

You can spend a couple thousand on books; you ahve a fairly good start, although Jan's books are the best for each era.


Ed

Thanks Ed! I have just bought Jan's book on TR lugers from a member. I just bought your book as well, hopefully it will arrive soon!!!!!
I have at least 300 reference books for TR medals/badges and will follow suit with P-08's as well.
Just love reading reference books, can't believe what I've learned so far and money saved by studying
Appreciate it!
Greg

Thanks Tom! Yes I do not keep the 2 pieces in their holsters as I didn't want any holster wear.
Thank you for confirming what I thought!!
Appreciate it!
Greg