Capture/import papers
 

Does having the Capture/import papers that a Artillery Luger owner was issued when bringing the firearm into the USA at the end of WWII increase the value of the firearm?

To some collectors yes (maybe 5% to 10%),to other collectors no.
Bob

I would have to say that yes, capture papers do add to the value, however I posted the same question some time ago and never got a satisfactory answer. The bump isn't huge, and it may just serve as icing on the cake, making the deal look just a little better.
We frequencly buy Luger's for their perceived historical significance, and documentation certainly adds to that.
But again, how much? 10% or less for capture papers with no accomapnying documented story. But to show that it was issued to Field Marshall von HuffnPuff, later surrendered to General SuchnSuch after the battle of Cafe' MochaChino, well that would be a whole nuther story...
dju

With the number of phony papers out there can't see how they can be very valuable. Bill

It matters to me, but see my signature below :)

As a line dog on the street, I can relate to all the other people who view capture papers the same way they would view previous owners bills of sale...IOW, mildly interesting but of no monetary value...

Capture papers [IMO] are only of value to collectors...people who plan on displaying their acquisitions in as original condition as possible...these would be people who spend years finding just the right holster, loading tool, cleaning rod, magazine(s), even lanyard (if originally provided)...and linking those accessories & pistol to the present with the capture papers...

The Average Joe who just likes the look of a Luger couldn't care less...IMO... :rolleyes:

But here's the interesting part: The collector who knows Lugers won't pay as much for a 'shooter' as that Average Joe will...And Joe won't pay as much as a collector would for a collectible Luger...

Strange world we live in... :D

I hear what you guys are saying, but if the deal is laid out in front of me and the price is just sort-of right, but now there are those bring-back documents that substantiate what they've been telling me, I'll propbably make an offer. No papers, maybe not.
I guess I value them about as much as a spare magazine in terms of cold hard cash.
I try to not be emotional in purchasing Lugers, but sometimes they just sort of call out. Like I have said many times before, I wish they could all talk.
dju

You also want to remember that a story is just that.
The vast majority of souveniers were picked from piles of surendered weapons.
The average infantryman had too much gear of his own to drag around any extra stuff.
Most all my vet acquired stuff came from these piles.
Heard a good story or two, but I don't pay much attention.
Some guys embellish tales, some just make them up or repeat ones they heard.
I got a T99 Arisaka my buddy's dad gave me. He "pried it from the cold dead hands of a son of the empire" on Tarawa.
I really don't think he did, but who knows?