Value of BYF 41
 

I have a BYF 41, with what I believe to be real black grips, all matching except for one small internal part, firing pin? Not sure if it's been re-blued? looks pretty good. The mag is after market.

thoughts?

thanks!

Pictures, please - that is you are to expect some really good help. Nobody wants to shoot in the dark. Know what I mean?
Thanks
Jack

Xavier

Here we are all Luger enthusiasts, and before expressing an opinion we'd like to see some close and detailed pictures of the gun in question.

Best regards.

I will post some thanks

Bryon: Based only on what you stated, the value would be ballpark $800-$1000, however on that era gun it is sometimes tough to spot a re-blue, and their correct mag. could resemble an aftermarket mag, so like you have been advised, lots of good clear photos will help us help you.
The good news is that a BYF 41 is probably at the top of the list of functional "shooters".
dju

here's a V block i thought might have been reblued because of the dull finish, but for $1300 2 years ago i know i did well. it's original with an exc + bore:cheers:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...psjzrf62bv.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...psu1u3hoan.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...ps99an4qrm.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...psskz39olm.jpg

this is a no suffix block with the SE-655 SE-135 acceptance marks and test proof three. This pistol appears to be a transition from SE-655 SE-655 to SE-135 SE-135. All parts match from what I remember, have not taken it apart in 12 years.

The first photo is the best of the bunch, and I'm thinking that to be the original finish. I just can't conclude otherwise based on the last 3 green photos. Magazine is definitely aftermarket. Now you need to determine if ALL numbers match internally.
IF all numbers match, and IF you land the correct plastic bottom magazine, and IF no one tells me I'm full of beans on the original finish thing, then I'm guessing value to be in the $1500-$2k range.
dju

Xavier
I don't want to seem difficult but the photographs shoud be taken from a closer distance and never in the open sunlight.


Sergio

The finish on the gun looks original, with all edges crisp. The sideplate, however, has me worried. It looks considerably more worn than the balance of the gun and has a telltale vertical "scrubb line", which would normally have been polished out. This is usually found on sideplates that have been machined down to accept a new, force matched number.

Better photos would tell us more.

Okay I took it apart this morning and all parts are matching. Will have to try more photos, but an iPhone is not helping matters

I agree. The sideplate looks unusual. Inside the plate, you should see the number "68" stamped.

Take the photos in shaded sunlight. Use a camera with a closeup setting and use a tripod. Trip it with the self timer to eliminate camera shake. Take good sharp pictures, without using the flash. There is an odd color cast to your photos. Use a digital camera, not a phone or tablet.

i can't judge the finish from your photos, but the safety should be marked in ivory colored paint. Seeing no paint there, and seeing the toggle axle retention pin apparently blued, this would point to a refinish.

To check the authenticy of the grips, take them off carefully and photograph both of their back sides. There should be threads in the holes. Also, a flame heated paperclip should not penetrate the bakelite material.

The photos taken in ac4142's post are not of the original poster's gun.

I'll respectfully disagree with this part. My LG phone, the G2, embodies easily twice the capability of my old Canon G5. Combined with the $2.49 phone-holding mini tripod I bought online and switched over to full-size tripod legs, it takes great hi-res pics.

In the "tools/settings" area on your phone/tablet, you'll find a setting for "white balance" which can be adjusted to have the camera take a pic that has the realistic look you're after. Whatever took these pics was expecting natural light, and given incandescent. The result is yellow cast we can see.

So what's a all matching re-finished p-08 worth, I believe the grips are legit. Bore is good some putting, good rifling. I figure there is no way to know for sure on the finish and if there are red flags it is what it is.

Being re-finished hurts the value considerably, so I'd not roll over and accept refinish too quickly. Depending on the pre-bluing buffing job, it can kill the value to $800, whereas an original might be $1400 plus.
While I can't tell too much from photos, I'm seeing no evidence of aggressive buffing, so I'd hold out for $1200 or so if you have to sell it fast.
dju

I more or less agree with the above posts, I don't want to shot in the dark either as Jack correctly said, so I won't give any opinion, apart from saying that if somebody needs some reliable info should at least provide plenty close and detailed pictures of their Luger in natural light but not under the sun.

Sergio

Okay, the side plate does not have a number "68". There is what looks like part of a "B" stamp.

Took pics of the grips, also did the heated pin test, it made a tiny mark but did not melt the material.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...pskigucb5u.jpg

I'm not an expert, but the grip on the left looks aftermarket to me. The raised area around the hole is suspect.

The other one which shows evidence of the threads is more likely to be original.

The inside marking of the side plate confirms that it isn't original to the Luger.

Marc

What does the number 68 mean on a 41 byf? Oh well if it's not legit I will live, I only paid $575 for it about 12 yrs ago.