byf 42
 

This is my first post so please be gentle. I just acquired an all matching (except mags) byf 41 Luger with holster, tool, and two mags. I would estimate it to be 80-85%. I will try to post some pics when I get home. What would be a good ballpark starting price on one of these? Should I shoot it ? Thanks for any advice. Jay

Ballpark guestimate, and again a WAG, would be $1300-$1700. Really need to see photos, etc.
Should you shoot it? Your decision. The conservative crowd will tell you no because you risk breaking a numbered part and cutting the value by as much as 50%.
I say understand the risks and live with the consequences.
Welcome!
dju

So, with shooter grade Lugers topping out at $1000 or $1100, at 80% you could be at the lower end of a collectable if all matching and not import marked / not DDR - Russian Capture marked, etc...

I think David may have been generous, but would also need to see pictures.

Typical valuation drops 40% when you go from matching to non-matching. That is what breaking a numbered part could cost. We regularly see reports of Lugers and other military firearms broken in shooting. In another post today, one member mentioned seeing about 12 himself over recent years. It really does happen.

Traveling armies carried armorers with them for a reason.

Marc

Marc

I shoot 5% in the collection, had some fun. Yes, I did break some parts. So the risk is very real.

Here are a few pics, sorry for the quality had to use my smart phone...
Thank you for your information and your patience.
Best regards, Jay

http://imageshack.us/a/img43/5488/k1h1.th.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img703/5113/e633.th.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img196/6180/bkj1.th.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img853/46/fimg.th.jpg

Please
 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Attach your photos directly to your post by using the "Go Advance" button to make your post entry. Then there is a "manage attachments" button to allow you to post your photos.

Photos that are hosted elsewhere, often disappear when the hosting website reorganizes its holdings, or goes out of business.

In addition, many of the more knowledgeable people on this forum are unable to see your photos posted elsewhere because they access the forum from their place of employment where internet web storage sites are filtered or prohibited. If they can't see your photos, they can't offer comments or advice.

Thanks, and welcome to the Lugerforum.