Value of inherited Luger?
 

Folks,

I have inherited an Artillery Luger from my dad, and I am trying to determine if it is indeed an Arty and get some history on it. I am also planning to sell it to finance some other purchases, so I'd also like to get an idea of a fair asking price.

It is a beautiful 1916 model, numbers matching (except for the barrel and sight). I believe it was reblued quite a while ago (my dad bought it in 2002, so it was before that), and it was probably reworked some time ago.

Detailed pictures are posted at http://community.webshots.com/user/rdurling01 - look for the "Guns for sale" album. Thanks for all your help!

Ron

Ron welcome to the site. We actually like pictures posted here, however, I can tell you, without even looking at the gun, if it is reblued and a different barrel, it is worth $700-$1000, all depending on how much it was buffed and if it has an 8 inch barrel on it.


Ed

Thanks, Ed. Here are a few pictures to whet your whistle. I have other views of details such as proof marks, etc., if that helps.

Ron

BTW, although the pics don't show the rear sight, it is indeed on the gun, but it has no serial number.

I think I can say with some assurance that it is not a Luger 'Artillery barrel". The sight base is wrong.

Here is one on GB that has a soldered-on sight base. It looks a lot like yours. Artillery Luger sight bases were machined from the parent metal, not added afterward. Receivers were also notched to clear the rear sight leaf. There was no gap between the sight base and the barrel flange.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=221163376

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/2211630...x761541639.jpg

Here's an Artillery sight and base. Regards, Norm

Ron, To answer your question directly..I would value your Father's Luger at around $600-700 .
It has it's share of problems that kick the value in the head. Restored..not too terrible a job, replacement grips, aftermarket magazine..long but weird barrel. It all boils down to a shooter Luger. Someone wanting this type...could be interested. Have you shot it? A good range report will help with the potential sale. If it shoots with no problems that news is worth knowing.

I agree with the assessments here. If the bore is good and it is functional, I believe the bidding would approach $1000 on an auction site as shooters do like the long barrels, and it is nice looking. Add a repro stock and holster and someone will be a hit at the range.


btw: That strange barrel has a proof mark on the right side and it looks like the adjustment part of the artillery site is missing?....

Clark

I think its one of those long barrel lugers you could order from the companies in the 1930's, 1950's and even into the 1960's and someone has added a rear sight to it.

I think if I was selling on my table, I could get a at least $900-$1000 for it. Would want to buy for $600, but I think its a nice shooter, nice looking, nice markings mainly and the average shooter would not know the difference in this and a $2500 artillery.


Ed

I think they would know the difference when they found that there was no rear sight! Best regards, Norm

Norm, I did not mean that in a negative way, it was meant as that most shooters could care less whether it is a true collectable piece or shooter/////////

I have shot long barreled lugers without an artillery sight and they shoot better than me.

Ed

Hi Ed, My point is that this gun needs a replacement Artillery sight leaf if it's to be at all useful as a shooter. I have no idea how much one of these would cost, I think you would have to figure at least a hundred bucks. Best regards, Norm

Actually, it does have the sight leaf. It just wasn't on the gun when the first pictures were taken. The sight elevator was broken and had to be replaced. Here is a close-up shot of the sight now.

Is there a rear sight on the toggle?
dju

If it's not an authentic artillery, wouldn't it be illegal to attach a stock to it?

Clark, Aaron.

I think the way the law reads, after all the lawyer talk, is that you can shoot an original artillery or original Navy with a repro stock, but not the other way around. Dunno where this piece qualifies???


FN

I think there could be a good argument that it IS legitimate enough as an Artillery to warrent use of a stock. Your average guy wouldn't know about the sight base.

Better hang on to that sight leaf! This one ain't cheap: http://www.cmrfirearms.com/shop/prod...roducts_id=262

Nope, no sight on the toggle. Here is a closeup...

Ron, Thje sight is not found on the toggle but behind it..towards the rear of the pistol. Your photo crops out most of that area but shows some of it and I believe you are correct..it does not appear to be there?