My First Artillery Luger
 

Howdy folks!

I'm new to the forum, but I was hoping to draw upon your collective expertise in deciding if this will be my first buy. I was at my local Gander Mountain, and I came upon what I believe to be an amazing find. A 1917 Artillery Luger, with 32 round snail drum, three matching mags, and the original stock with holster, all a complete package for $5499. Well, you can bet I did a double take.

What I want to know is, with all those goodies, is the price right? Before I go dropping half a car's worth in greenbacks, I'd like some experts to weigh in. I'd post pictures, but my PC doesn't like my iphone where the pictures are stored. If someone knows a way to get them on I can do that.

Thanks for looking at my long winded request, and I can't wait to see the responses :D

We'll have to wait for the Artillery experts to chime in, it being the Holiday and all (Happy Thanksgiving).
But IMHO $5500 is the last man out price on ANY artillery. There are a number of variables that we just have to see before I, at least, can give you the thumbs up.
First of all, 3 matching mags. I am uncertain IF they were issued with 3 mags numbered to the gun. I suppose it is possible given the 2 mag carrying pouch. But mags. are the most commonly "boosted" items in this business, and I really think that closeups are in order. They should have the full serial number, followed by the letter suffix. Generally military mags have a + sign for the spare, not sure about a second spare on an artillery rig. Mags should be silver in color with wooden bottoms.
A matching stock should be numbered and suffixed to the gun.
If all of it is legit, then I suppose the price is reasonable, given that an original drum mag should be worth $1200-$1600 by itself.
Does Gander Mt. have a link to the gun?
Welcome aboard, and I don't mean to be cynical, but there is a lot of gold on the table here.
dju

David is spot on..Highly suspect from the get go but weirder things have happened. IF it's all legit.. 3 genuine matching mags alone would boost an Artillery price by $2500+ IMO. IF the stock were genuine and matching that would boost the price by at least a thousand maybe two. IF all were genuine and as you say..I would think you would be stealing it at $5,500. A lot of if's and IF it's your first Artillery you may not be able to judge what's what.

Artillery pistols were issued with 3 mag pouches. That is evidenced by period photo's and I have seen George Anderson's 3 mag pouch with magazines..So it's POSSIBLE.

Also there is no info as to the validity of the snail drum. Isn't the first check is to see if the digits of the serial number add up to 17 then it's suspect as not being legit?
Pics needed to do the eyeballing.
thanks
Jack

If it's all good and original the price is half what it should be. Early artilleries were issued with at least four but more likely seven matched mags. To cover your ass you really should post detailed photos of the mags and stock. Retailers like Gander Mountain really are out of their element when dealing in weapons like these.

...and the market is plenty of Pakistani leather and stock repros, as our friend Jerry can attest.
Caveat Emptor is the golden rule.
Good luck with your hunting!
Douglas.

PS - Books are good investiment at the Luger University.

in the back ground you might hear the feet of collectors running to that store.

in the back ground you might hear the feet of collectors running to that store. FUNNY! But also true..