New Member Question
 

I am new to Lugers and have found a very nice 1920 commercial model in 9mm. The owner wants 1500.00 for it. The numbers on it match but mag appears to be a replacement. There is good straw on all the appropriate parts. I cant find anything wrong with it. Finish is pristine. Does 1500.00 sound like a decent price?

Thanks lefty14615

since you are new to lugers, I would suggest many pictures - as

1. price seems a bit top end for a commercial
2. would need to know what you consider a 1920 commercial
3. is finnish pristine or has it been refinished? even pristine, many of the commercials are very nice
4. caliber?

Its at a local dealer. He seems receptive to allowing me to take a few photos. I will try and get some and post them tomorrow. Thanks

Tread carefully here because you are talking pretty serious money for a commercial Luger, but let's wait for photos.
Is this the same dealer that has the 1939? If so you have some bargaining power.
dju

No actually the S/42 is with an individual. He is anxious to sell as he inherited it from his uncle who served in WWII and wants to use the proceeds to fund a new hunting rifle so he is kind of antsy to sell as hunting season is around the corner and I didn't want to miss out on a nice WWII Luger if it was worth the money. The commercial showed up in a local shop. Its just in such good shape and being 9mm I found it appealing.

One must be cautious with pretty girls, hunting dogs, used cars and Luger's. Look before you leap. $1500 is still serious money in my neck of the woods. Not overpriced if it's all correct but you need to know a lot about it.

Well he wouldn't let me take photos but he did break it down and all numbered parts matched. DWM on toggle. Germany stamped on left side very small. No date on chamber. 9mm, serial # 4344. Any insight is appreciated. Has not been revalued. He came down to 1450.

I'm envisioning a 1920's something alphabet commercial, and generally those are closer to $1k than to $1500. Granted, it being a 9mm helps its value, and I'm wondering if it is the older 1908'ish model.
It's your decision, but I'm hoping some others will chime in here.
If you buy that S/42 you could leave this seller a reasonable offer and go on about your business.
I suspect that you are overpaying by a couple of hundred, but of course the seller is a retailer, not a collector shuffling guns back and forth, so somebody has to pay for him to keep his lights on, kids in braces, etc.
dju

Also, if he won't let you take photos, will he grant a 3 day non-firing inspection? That would be one way we could get a better look at it and still give you time to undo the deal if it does not pass the smell test.
dju

Very difficult decision, which I personally would walk away from.

If he won't let people with knowledge get a look at it, there is probably something wrong.

A 1920s commercial in 7.65 Luger should be $900 at most. These tend to have "Made in Germany" stamped on them.

If it's a "1920" Weimar property mark that might change things.

Thing is, you're walking into a deal at possibly mid to high to excessive high price points without the proper knowledge to judge things.

It is also possible that it is a recent Russian Capture import, with a max value of $750 or so.

If its what I am thinking, then a 9mm 'commercial' is much less common than a 7.65mm (30 luger). EVERYTHING depends on what it is...

Thanks to all! I think I will proceed with caution. Special Thanks Jerry for answering so many of my questions and taking my call..