Go For it OR Stay Away
 

Gentlemen, Im looking to purchase my first P-08 Artillery luger
i have no photos but will describe them best as i can
1) 1918 9mm serial # 91xxb There is about 93% original blue. The bulk of the loss is usual,the muzzule,some silvering of sharp edges,slight graying of the gripstraps, and the usual flaking on the side plate and adjacent steel panel. the straw is about 65% the walnut grips are in nice shape, no chips or cracks,some mild point flattening
All numbered parts match, including the correct walnut base magazine,with the exception of the grips.The bore is really nice ,very sharp and crisp with a light scattered graying.
Priced at $ 2795.00 ............ is this a fair price?

2) 1917 9mm ser.# 17xxe .This one is very clean. Retaining about 97-98% of original blue.the little there is ,is restricted to the muzzleedge,frame rail, side plate,and slight silvering on the sharp edges.I dont see any pits or flaking anywhere.The grip straps look new. The strawed parts about 98% . The walnut grips are unblemished no stains or flattening.The bore is bright ,crisp without any evidence of much use.
Priced At $3195.00.............. is this a fair price.

Please give me an honest assesment from what i have described of each . Im eager to buy but i dont want to get burned. All comments and advice will be greatly appreciated. Id figure id run this past my Luger Brothers so as not to make a hasty purchase.

Thanks guys
RJ

Without photos it's very difficult to give any reliable advice. Even with them it is difficult to judge finish.

Both prices seem very high. Perhaps 40% over fair collector price.

Check one of the reliable online dealers like checkpointcharlies.com or Simpson Ltd...

To be clear, unless there is something very very special about these, you would get burned at these prices in my opinion.

Marc

RJ:
Unfortunately, there is no "book" to go to for an exact figure.
I've been seeing Artillery Lugers, matching but probably not as nice as you describe, at around $2200. Like Marc says, check Simpsons, and decide for yourself if they are a good deal. Of course if anything, orig. stock, holster, etc. goes with them that makes the deal more attractive.
Does this help?
dju

I specialize in collecting Artillery Lugers and their accessories.
I will be glad to discuss this with you.
Please private email your number and I will give you a call.
spartacus38@charter.net
Bob

I'm curious...What do you mean by 'flaking'??? :confused:

"...and the usual flaking on the side plate..."

I've had five Lugers and don't recall any having problems with 'flaking'... :confused:

Due to rarity the 1918 is a better buy.

I should have said the blueing failing ,wearing , or fading , my bad

Of the 2... I am with George..the 1918 with a matching mag.

...Like 'speckles' where there's no blue??? :confused:

A fellow who had way more experience than me in trading guns told me one day: "You can never pay too much for a good gun, you can only pay too early." The high price you pay today will become the average, or bargain with time. How long a time is the question. Unless you are buying them with the intent to sell in the not too distant future, then price is THE determining factor. If you have the money, you like the gun, and it isn't taking food off the table to do it, then go for it. You can always make reasonable offers. Worst thing that can happen is the seller says "No."

Worst thing that can happen is the seller says "No." Sometimes it's the "best" thing too!

First of welcome to this forum of Luger aficionados, where I'm sure you'll find many answers of your interest.
I'm afraid it's almost impossible to give a reliable advice without detailed photos; I agreee that the prices are on the high side, and must always be strictly related to the quality of the gun.
IMHO

Fellas,

Are you sure you're not a little low in your price estimates?

Can you please tell me where I can get a 98% 1917 artillery for $2300? I would love to buy one at that price.


Still looking, still dreaming,
- Geo

I'm scouring the thread and not finding any reference to a 98% 1917 at $2300. Help us out here.

dju