New to Lugers
 

I am looking to purchase my first Lugar and at a local gunshow there was a deal with 3 examples that caught my interest

1. A 1942 BYF that has been reblued $1000 (all matching)

2. A DWM 80% blue made in 1916 $1400 (all matching)

3. A DWM 85% in 1916 $1500 (all matching)

Are any of these good starters or should I keep looking?

I am not sure of mags.

In a separate note does anyone know Sam Hill Lugers in Knoxville, TN? Anything good or bad?

Thanks for any help.

keep looking, all three examples over priced.
Tom

What would be a reasonable offer on these?

I think that the following are reasonable offers, assuming functionally excellent, all matching parts and a non-matching original period correct magazine:

1. A 1942 BYF that has been reblued $1000 (all matching)

Offer $700 Buy at $750 or less

2. A DWM 80% blue made in 1916 $1400 (all matching)

At this level it is not collectible, so shooter prices. $800 - $850

3. A DWM 85% in 1916 $1500 (all matching)

This is collectible, but lower grade so just above shooter prices: $850-$1000.

None of these are particularly rare. Condition could drive it below or slightly above my estimates.

Check out some of the more reasonable online dealers like Checkpoint Charlies... I don't have any interest in his business, and have not been a customer, but have heard positive things about him.

For example... here's a 42 BYF described as "dipped blue" - probably a refinish:

http://www.checkpointcharlies.com/sh...9&categoryid=9

Marc

I have purchased several guns from Charlie Justman (Checkpoint Charlie) and have never been disappointed, but none were truly collector pieces. His descriptions are brief and photos small, so you have to ask the right questions and ask for better photos. He seems to put a premium on WWII era guns and "restored" guns. His prices are certainly better than the high-end dealers like Simpson's.

Mike, before you put down serious money for a collector gun you should do some research and decide what you want to collect, what to look for and what to avoid. While you are figuring that out I suggest that you apply for a "C&R" firearms license that will allow you to buy historic firearms without the hassle and red tape associated with buying modern firearms.
KFS

Thank you to everyone who has replied. I have been giving some thought as to what I might like to focus on and German Lugers from WWI and earlier seemed interesting. It seems many of the pricier examples are from WWII. Are there some good affordable pistols from this era?

I disagree, all Lugers are collectible to me, but what makes the difference between them is the value placed on them by the current owners, and those who wish to possess them.

Being reblued takes away some of the collector value... mismatched parts takes away some too... but Lugers are counted in finite numbers... there won't be any more ORIGINAL Lugers... so the value of even the parts guns will continue to escalate as more an more new enthusiasts decide that they like them and want to own one.

I remember when then this forum started over a decade ago, that the "new" crop of capture guns were not really thought of as collector pieces and were sold for around $300 for a really nice one! Try to find one today at that price... even a parts gun retails at $600 or higher...

I have bought several pistols and other items from Charlie Justman also. Great guy, ask for more pics if you want them. He is a 1 man show and doesnt spend a lot of time posting pics on his site but will supply them.

Check your state laws for C&R shipping of handguns to your state. Some do not allow it.

John, I actually agree with you on the collect-ability of all Lugers. I was just repeating what I understood to be "common understanding" of a shooter versus typically "collector valued" luger. Clearly, the market determines the value when a buyer pays for a Luger.

It's interesting to understand that in different parts of the world, different things are valued. Witness Depner's recent posting about his beautiful restoration of a Luger in Hungary.

Depner's Post Link

Marc

One man's shooter is another man's collecter. Or visa versa. There are no hard and fast rules seperating them.
dju