What is my luger worth and what is it?
 

Sorry to be a complete novice as to particulars. I have a luger that I got from my dad from WWII. It does not have an elaborate crest or anything on top. It merely says 1940.

I have attached photos.

Any help on identifying it and placing a reasonable value would be appreciated.

I forgot to add that all numbers match.

Oops. Make that all numbers on the pistol. Magazines do not match.

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

You need sharper pictures of the markings. Try taking your photos using a tripod; natural shaded light outdoors and the camera's self timer (to eliminate camera shake).

Clearly show the bases of the magazines, their profiles and other markings and the leading (left) edge, the strap and buckle, and back markings on the holster and loading tool.

Is the serial number "239c"?

The 1940 code "42" Luger you have was manufactured by Mauser in Oberndorf building "D" in 1940.

Look at the inside of the trigger plate. What number is stamped there?

Your Luger looks to be in original finish, and (if all matching) is probably worth $1700 + depending on condition of the finish. If the two magazines are matching add another 35%. If the holster is correct add $225 and if the tool is correct add $85. Insurance values would be higher. Look at a retail dealer (like Simpson's Ltd, checkpointcharlies.com or FGSFirearms) to get an idea of what they sell them for at retail.

The finish on the holster looks unusually shiny in your photos. Don't keep your Luger stored inside the holster. The tanning chemicals can damage the metal finish.

Marc

And it has the distinctive Mauser 'hump'...

Marc, what was being made in buildings A, B, and C??? :confused:

The other buildings in that complex included the lines for the K98 rifle. I'd have to check, but probably also other firearms they produced. "D" survived the war and French occupation. I stood in the building earlier this year with Mauro, Gerben and Gerd.

Marc

Marc,

Thanks for the info so far! I will retake the markings photos as you suggest.

When you say the tool is correct, what does that mean?

As far as the holster goes, I'm afraid my dad let a leather smith friend of his 'recondition' it. Restitched, dyed and polished.

Alan

Yes - the stitching didn't look right to me, but I couldn't be sure from your photos. Still, if it is period correct it is part of the overall "rig" you have.

The original tools have unique appearance and markings. Members here can help you verify that it is original and properly marked.

Luger collectors value un-altered pistols and accessories that are as close to their condition upon leaving the factory as possible. Any alterations, unusual wear, parts replacement or re-finishing reduce their historic and financial value.

Marc

Nice full rig,, I like it.

Do you have any info on how your dad acquired it?

Edward,

Unfortunately, I don't know. He told me that it was taken off a German prisoner, but whether by him or someone else is anybody's guess.

Wish I knew......

I have attached some more photos. I tried to look up the 'trigger plate' to see which piece it is, but could not find it. I believe that the serial number is 239C. The letter below 239 on the body just below where the barrel is inserted looks most like a C. The photos should clear that up. The tool has what appears to be a small eagle and 655 on it, so I guess it's original. As for that, as far as I know, this weapon, holster and tool are exactly as dad got them (except for the leather work, of course).
Thanks very much for all the help so far.
Alan

One more.

Hi,
The trigger plate is the plate on the left side of the receiver (removable) that has a lever connecting the trigger to the sear and it's plunger. It's exterior is plainly visible in the second new picture you posted. You should find the number "3" stamped inside it.

It looks like your pistol is missing the small take down lever retention spring. Don't shoot it without installing one. As you Luger looks collectable, it's not a good idea to shoot it anyway!

You can find disassembly instructions on this site.

Marc

It does have the number 3 in it. I also included a couple of magazine photos.

I have not fired this weapon in decades and don't intend to again.

Alan

Alan, I think you have a real treasure there. Looks all matching and complete. I also think that the magazines and tool are correct, but am not an expert on the tools.

Marc

Thanks, Marc. Are these 'matching magazines'? I thought the serial numbers had to match those on the pistol.

The magazines are of the period, but not matching

Alan, sorry I wasn't clear. All the parts of the pistol appear to be matching. You do need to check the internal parts that are numbered and carefully remove and check the markings on the grips. Particularly avoid breaking the left grip near the safety lever if you remove them.

As Ed mentions, your magazines are not matching to the pistol, but are period correct.

It is more uncommon to find a matching magazine with an all matching (otherwise) pistol. That is why one with matching magazines is worth more.

Marc

Remove the right grip first, you may be able to see the markings on the left through the frame.

Good news and bad. I disassembled the pistol and found that all internal markings, including grips, match. The bad news is that I cannot get it back together! The big stumbling block has been the ejector. I had a difficult time getting it out and cannot get it back in. It's most of the way home but the rear-most, round peg will not seat into the frame.

I tried looking up suggestions on how to get this weapon back together, but was unsuccessful. Please point me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Alan