Info about a Luger
 

I recently acquired this Luger and am looking for any information about it. I am a fan of World War II memorabilia so it meant a lot to get my hands on it. I know the customs papers don't increase the value much (if at all), but it made it more desirable for me as an historian. It's kind of neat to have 2 papers about the medic who brought it back with him - the serial number of the pistol (4348) is also listed on the paperwork - along with the medic bringing back "dental forceps"!

All parts internal and external have matching serial numbers. The magazine does not match, but is from the time period. From the pictures, obviously someone carved an "M" in the grip. A Luger collector checked out the bore, etc and classified it around 83%. Can anyone help with history, approximate value, etc? Thanks!

hmmm, not enough pictures to say a wild guess on value.

But is that a G on the receiver?

It is a nazi era, Mauser (S/42) that is in nice shape, not pristine, but not ugly.

The magazine should be aluminum, so the wood base is not period.

Ed

I think they told me in the shop is was from 1938. They're friends so I trust their opinion. The magazine is not original - they told me that, but is period original.

Yes, it is a G on the receiver. What does that mean? Thanks for your reply, sir!

I can take more photos. Anything else that would help a guess at value?

I noticed the capture papers state it is a 38 cal. Misprint no doubt.

Luger
 

"K" On The Receiver Manufactured in 1934
"G" On The Receiver Manufactured in 1935
After the "G" Date the receivers were dated 1936 and on to 1942

There have been several '38 cal Lugers' on bringback paperwork reported here in the last year or so...Must have been a popular misconception at the time...

yes, the guys pointed out the misprint to me immediately. I don't think they're forged or anything. I was able to hold the papers and examine them, and I also verified the dates with a collector and the proper amount of days between forms, etc.

I've always wanted a Luger....are there any more photos or info that I could give to inform you how to give me a decent ballpark figure?

I have seen 38 cal many, many times, it was simply the approx caliber of 9mm into USA thinking.

So, take what the guys told you with a grain of salt, because a G date is obvious and much more rare than a 1938 (not hugely valuable rare, but much less of them made) {{not a slam, but lugers are a speciliaty and most folks don't know anything about them}}

No offense, but better pictures, full left, full right, cropped so you see more, front of frame, front and rear grip straps.

Value... you bought it from a shop, you should know the value?

What did you pay for it and we'll tell you what we think its worth :)

I meant the guys at the shop - they pointed out the misprint immediately. If you had a lot of spare cash lying around, what would you pay for this, seeing as it has the papers? I plan to frame the pistol with the papers - after I put a few rounds through it :)

Its not a misprint

and they are called bring back papers

nice, thanks for the info!

Does anyone have an opinion on approximate value?

Hi, I'd like to address you by name, but it's not on your profile. G dates were made in 1935 by Mauser, when the Nazis were trying to conceal their rearmament program. By 1936 they no longer felt the need to keep it secret, and from then on Lugers were dated. The wood based magazine, as you have been told, is not period correct for this pistol. However, it could possibly be exchanged for a more suitable one, if it turns out to be in good shape and original.
We would need much better photos than you have provided to assess value. Try taking them out doors, in diffuse daylight, using the close-up function on your camera (usually denoted by a flower symbol). Try getting good clear shots of the inspection marks on the right receiver and the serial numbers on the front of the frame and beneath the barrel.
Regards, Norm
P.S. Welcome to the forum!

Thanks, Norme! Is there a "private message" capability here? I'm still new, as you noticed, but would like to speak with you more about the pistol if you are willing. Take care.

my magazine indeed is wood at the bottom. Is there a way to date it?

Hi, Just click on my name in the top left hand corner of this post, and then click on "contact information". You will be able to send me a PM (personal message). I won't be able to get back to you until tomorrow, I'm about to go out for the evening.
Regards, Norm

Welcome to the forum...

Pics of the mag will help us figure that out, too. Obviously we can't examine your Luger in-hand, so you gotta take us there pictorially.

More pointers for documentary photos...

Outdoors, in diffuse light, yes, in the shade, or on an overcast day. What you're avoiding is shadows and glare induced by hard, strong light.

Camera motion is the #1 cause of blurry pics, so use a tripod or set cam on a sand bag, use self timer to avoid the jiggling possibilities of pressing the shutter button by hand.

Use a neutral background, avoiding those very bright or dark.

Make sure "white balance" is properly set on cam to help capture halfway decent colors and tones.

Photos of the gun...all angles, all details, markings, even all the internal parts from enough angles to show them for what they are. Lots of work, really, but helps get questions answered and issues settled the best. I think this is even in the FAQ's, or do a search of the site. Check out the other pics posted, you'll learn by example!

David Parker