Crottet Half Scale Parabellums
 

As a hobby machinist and somewhat of a new-comer to the Luger mystic, I am intrigued by the Swiss master gunsmith Leon Crottet's miniature replicas made during the 70s and 80s.

Is Mr. Crottet still active? Are his replicas considered an integral part of the Luger collecting world? Where are they now and are they sought after by collectors? Does anyone have information as to photos or articles about these miniatures?

Thanks - Steve D.

Steve,
As far as I know Mr. Crottet is still alive, but like a lot of us he is getting on in years. As far as his activity, he was making miniature Sten guns as late as 2008.
There have been several articles about him and his guns over the years, but the most recent and comprehensive coverage is Chapter Sixty-three of the Görtz-Sturgess "Pistole Parabellum" three volume set. There are ten pages of narrative and great photos.
A few years back Simpson's Ltd. had I think 4 or 5 examples of his work for sale. As I recall the prices ranged from $10,000 to $15,000. These are perfect miniatures, exact in scale and detail. They were also fully functional firing pistols with working miniature ammunition. Consequently they had to be transferred with a FFL!

Thanks for the additional information, Ron. I do have the Gortz-Sturgess books and eagerly digested the photos they published. The little guns are truly works of art. Steve D.

some more info including this guy's own web site

http://www.waffen-crottet.ch/


here is a photo of a navy he did

http://www.milsurps.com/images/impor...faivreN2-1.jpg