Opinions Please
 

Below is a link to an Artillery that I am interested in bidding on but have reservations as to it's originality, It has no serial number or proof marks on the barrel or other places that I would think should have them, and maybe just a little "too" pristine for a 90 year old pistol. What do you guys think? :confused:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=367065993

She looks legit to me. As a commercial pistol, it would not have seen any action and it is not unusual to see commercial pistols turn up in pristine condition. This one just happens to be a rarer Artillery.

The edges all look right, the finish looks good and there are no obvious signs of abuse, dings, scratches, etc. or any signs of restoration.

Hard to believe , great condition for a
luger from this Age...

I don't know who the seller is, but he sure knows how to take quality photographs... NICE Artillery Model.

Thanks Doug, I have been wanting to add a Commercial Artillery to my collection for awhile now and this one looked pretty good. I've been holding out for a decent looking Persian but they are scarce as are the 1914 DWM Artillery's so maybe I will go ahead and bite the bullet on this one. :cheers:

Lon

Hi Lonnie, I'm not comfortable with this one. I've never handled a "Commercial Artillery", but I would expect one to have a numbered barrel and commercial proofs. Also, the toggle retaining pin appears to be blued over, although this may just be the photo.
Regards, Norm

Thanks Norm, that was my concern also. I didn't know if it was normal to not have serial numbers and proofs on the barrels, I only have one other Commercial and it does have the SN and proof on the barrel but if I'm not mistaken I think I read somewhere that some commercials were put together with left over parts and not stamped, does this sound correct? :confused:

Lon

It could just be my eyes(OLD!), but I am seeing #59 on the side plate and take down lever, yet seeing #39 on the frame. I am the first to admit that I am a novice on Artys, so please excuse me if I have spoken out of line here.

Hi Richard, at first glance it does look that way but after enlarging the photos I believe the numbers are correct and matching to the gun. It appears that the halo on the number on the frame gives the appearance of a different number, thank you for comment, it caused me to go back and take a second look.

Lon

A 1920s commercial artillery if put together at plant will have a properly numbered barrel.

Lon, Take a look at the flange on this barrel. It looks to be at least twice as thick as normal? Also I would want to closely inspect the rear sight for any numbers. On a Military the rear sight is numbered in many places..
While this is likely more rare than many Military pistols..it holds less interest among MOST, not all collectors.
The barrel could be a Pacific Arms replacement..Without a number I am not fond of it at the asking price.
My advice is to hold onto your hard earned cash until you find the pistol that sings to you...

After hearing the learned opinions here, I would have to agree.

Thanks for all help guys, after reading all your opinions I think it would be the wise thing to do and hold off until one comes along that I fill more comfortable with. Although it could very well be legit, should the need ever arise to be in the position that I would have to sell it it probably would be hard to convince someone that it was legit. :cheers:

Lon

i would ask the seller to send a photo of the notch on the top-front of the receiver to see if the notch is there and if it is the shape that dwm put on the gun. maybe this was just a 4 inch gun someone made into a long one?

i looked at the fotos with the small parts and i think i see 59's and not 39's also.