Condition of this luger + worth?
 

Hi there,

I recently acquired my great grandfathers 1917 DWM Artillery luger. It appears to be in good condition. Here are some pics. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me rougly what its worth? Its all matching serial numbers except for the magazine. I also have the original Holster and wooden buttstock.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...111/photo4.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...111/photo1.jpg

I can get more pics. There is one issue however;

my great grandfather lightly etched his SIN number into the grip handle underneath the trigger guard. I know this will decrease value, but the question is by how much. I know it functions well, and according to a local gunsmith the bore is in excellent condition. (no rust)

If someone could tell me the approximate value i'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

Does stock match? condition of holster/stock? Much more pics needed before any acurate estimate could be given. John

Roughly? Ok $3500 if all correct WWI parts, and it only goes up from there depending on details. I really like the big 9 on the grips!

I suspect that one of the grips is a nonmatching replacement.

What makes you think that? I believe The grips are original. This pistol was brought back from WW1 by my great grandfather, and the only person who has had possession of the gun since then was my grandfather, and he hasn't done a thing to it.

I don't speak for George, however I suspect what you have is a pistol that was repaired in Europe, probably by a military armorer. Not repaired or messed with stateside.
A war time necessity, and a bit easier to swallow by collectors.
dju

Because the red nine was placed on BOTH grips, not just one.

Are the grips numbered on the inside?

the 9 is not red. its black.

and i havent checked the inside of the grips.

Here are some more pictures in detail:

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/120b7099.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/fce0174a.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/e914c754.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/9ed4d41f.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/2815405a.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/48a3d4ab.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/dc58d84a.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/81dedab2.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/09858508.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/5bce7eb9.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/98e77612.jpg

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/2eb5b670.jpg

Very nice rig!! The "9" may be black now, but it was once red. The opposite grip should have an identical red "9" as well.
A replaced grip is not too much of a detractor in a nice rig like this.

Remove the grips (Careful on the left grip!) and look for the number 96 stamped somewhere on the back of both grips. That is the matching number and will tell you if the grips are original to the gun or if they are replacements.

If you have never removed a set of grips, please search for the tutorial here on the site! As Chris pointed out, it is very easy to chip the left grip around the safety lever upon removal!

according to the gunsmith who took it apart and cleaned all numbers match, including the grips. I trust him. I will take the grips off myself when I get some time and take a peek.

could anyone comment to the condition of the holster/buttstock?

Your holster and buttstock are better than average. Look on the site here for tips on leather care and what NOT to use on the leather.

It would be very important for you to look for the serial number on the stock's attaching iron. If it matches the pistol's then it would add significant value.

Sweet little setup! Good looking bore..Pistol backstrap a little rough but might clean up some.
Stock and holster are the real deal...If that's an original carry strap woohoo! Decent looking boot too from what little I can see. All original...
Looks like most if not all of it are there!

Like George says..the right grip that came with that pistol also had the 9 on it. That's just the way they came. It's gone awol..even if the missing 9 grip does match it's a replacement somewhere along the line. But..Like Doug says..OK..bummer but no big deal on a complete rig like this.

You can be proud to own it..like Doug also says..check the serial on the stock iron to see if it's a match. That would be sweet! Not many do so that's OK too..

GREAT photo's!

I also have a 1917 DWM Artillery luger. It is also marked with 9 only on the left grip. Both grips are numbered to the luger.

Maybe there are more that are marked this way?

Jim

Jim, Is the marking on the inside of the grips identical in font and size?

Yes, they appear to be the same font and size.

Jim

so its been a lil while since i posted in here, can anyone give me a ballpark estimate of the value of this luger?

Thanks