My first Luger/What do you think?
 

I just picked up this Luger from a friend who gave it to me. Well he said find out how much it is worth and he will trust me to give him a fair price. What do you guys think. His father passed and he found a bunch of guns. I have my eye on another Luger with a double date, and a P-38.

Hi,

I'm just starting out, so you'll probably need more accurate information from some of those that have been collecting quite a bit longer than I have.

It looks like you have an early Navy Luger made by DWM. It is with the Navy magazine as well.

From the photographs, it looks to be in very fine condition.

I don't know it's value, but expect it is more than you'll initially believe! I do know that there is quite a bit of discussion about these being "faked" by adding the navy crown over M proofs, but others will be much better at evaluating your pictures.

Marc

Thanks for the information Marc.

Jim, I would take pictures out in the subdued sunlight, a navy is worth $1500 in lousy shape and twice that or more in very nice shape.

From the first picture, it appears reblued?

it may not be, but additional pictures would help; also, if you take it apart and the inside is blue, its been reblued.


Ed

In the picture showing the top of the toggle, the axle retaining pin looks to be in the white. So is the safety bar.

Are those good indicators that it hasn't been refinished?

Jim, when you take the pictures, try to find flat even light. Don't use your flash because it ends up washing out highlights of the finish. I made a light box using a white sheet as a diffuser.

This site and others have some good ideas...

http://digital-photography-school.co...ive-light-tent


Marc

fuzzsquid -

These are being faked, and someone who knows more about them than I do is going to have to tell you whether this example is authentic.

One way to determine value is to look at what the dealers are charging. They are going to get "top dollar" for what they are selling; however, it is useful to know this information anyway. For example, you can go to this web site and look at what a reputable dealer is charging for Navy Lugers:

http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?...6c21576eebe8e4

When you check this out, you will see that they are getting $1,495.00 for a "FAKE" Navy Luger, and the prices for authentic examples go all the way up to $11,995.00, depending on condition and rarity, etc. Keep in mind though, that these are top dollar retail prices that this dealer is charging, etc.

I would never buy one of these without first getting help from someone who knows how to determine whether a particular example is authentic.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies guys. I checked out the site you sent me http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?...6c21576eebe8e4 it was very informative and confusing at the same time...... I now understand why it is so difficult to price these beautiful pistols. I am getting really hooked on these now. I spoke to my buddy and have decided it would be fair to pay 2k for the Luger. I will keep it and someday I may be very suprised when I get an expert to look at it, or really mad..... I doubt I would be mad I am kidding. I am going to take more pictures for you guys to check it out. I belong to AR-15.com and am building a 1919 A4 but did not know about the Luger sites. Thanks again guys, God Bless America.