It's one of the Ugliest Lugers, but it's mine.
 

Gentlemen,

I purchased my first Luger over the weekend and wanted to post some pics of it and get your thoughts on it. Plus, yes- I've already been in contact with Mr. Thor about his services for restoring the finish. I know because of the damage it can only ever be of value as a shooter, but I'm willing to go into the financial deficit hole to bring it back to looking like the grand machine it should be.

It's a single dated 1918 Erfurt, all the external numbers match down to the magazine and grips, I field stripped it and all internal numbers match as well, everything matches. Internally, the pistol could have been made yesterday, the bore is fantastic, and the parts look pristine. It has the "t" code under the serial number of 3582 on the front of the pistol.

Unfortunately it does have the obvious corrosion damage as seen in the pictures. It's mainly on the right side of the Pistol, so I'm blaming it on improper storage whilst laying it on its right side. There is also some more but much less pitting on the left side so it may have had something lying on top of it.

The only provenance I could get on it was that the previous owner (quite elderly) had gotten it from his Father who served during the Great War and he had kept the pistol for many years and had basically forgotten about it because it did not interest him. When he rediscovered it, he decided to sell it.

For just over $500.00 it's now mine. I know some will say I paid too much, but here in the DFW area of Texas where I now live, I’ve been on the lookout for a P08 for a while and even mismatched parts guns and Russian captures are hovering around the $700.00 mark. Plus, me being from the UK, anytime I can buy a “real” pistol without it being deactivated, it’s a thrill.

So, I’d appreciate your thoughts.

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Please elaborate on your being from the UK but still being able to purchase a live "real" pistol? I would guess that you will not be returning there?

She is a fine old Erfurt arsenal Luger, and a shame that she was mistreated for so long... I support your decision to return her to her original glory... and Ted Green (THOR) is just the man to do it...

I married a girl from Louisiana, I'm a Resident Alien with a Texas CHL. To purchase a firearm all I have to do is fill out the 4473 Form, show three months worth of utility bills proving residency, provide them my Texas DL, Resident Alien Card and the CHL to skip the background check. Since this is Texas they also like it if I whistle Dixie whilst handing over the cash.

Good for you..!!! And I agree with John S... Contact "Thor" if you want to see your Luger returned to glorious condition. Thor works and weaves "magic" over these fine old firearms...

Now about whistling Dixie..??!!!

;)

:cheers:

John D.

Erfurts were exceptionally nice Lugers. Yours is real solid and authentic. It would be worthwhile to return it to former glory.

"Thor" restored my 1918 Erfurt shooter a couple years back. Sure gets the looks at the range!

Radio,

If you are happy, that's all that really matters at the end of the day.
Please, show it for us after Thor's work on it.

Douglas.

Thor rehabilitated my '13 Erfurt better than what I asked for. Now it is far to cherry to shoot. I guess I'll just have to find another Erfurt for range work.