Would you buy this 1917 Luger?
 

RIA has offered me this 1917 Luger SN 3311 because the winning bidder backed out. I think the sideplate and muzzle may have been reblued because there is no wear in those areas. Yet the inside shows plenty of wear. What do you think? Would you buy this gun for $1400?

- Geo

1917 - more pictures
 

Some more pictures. I tweaked the brightness and contrast on pictures 20a and 21a (the barrel) to try and see any imperfections in the finish. The sideplate looks very different in 21a than the rest of the gun. Another thing I noticed is the lack of wear INSIDE the sideplate.

- Geo

Geo

1,400.00 $ is not much, but it would be for a reblued Luger.
What is the barrel like? And the grips? From the pictures I wouldn't be so sure that it has been reblued, I see crisp markings, the sideplate is not shiny, nice Luger I would say.

Kind regards.

Hi Geo, I like the gun and I think it's cheap at $1,400.00, particularly since it has a matching number magazine. None of the signs that indicate a re-blue are present, including the L shaped lever inside the side-plate, which is properly "in the white". Imperial era side-plates frequently differ slightly in color from the rest of the gun, I believe it's due to the heat treatment that this part received.
Regards, Norm

I agree that the lack of wear on the muzzle and side plate suggests at least some touch-up, although I think i see halos on the barrel serial. Assuming the bore is good, IMO $1,400 is within the range of reasonable.

What worries me is that there seem to be halos on EVERYTHING.

Observe the tiny numbers on the extractor, as well as the number on the back of the rear toggle. You just don't normally see halos on these numbers, unless someone has put them there.

Yep, I see halos! Note to self: be suspicious of halos.

Well, I learned something today.

Here you go guys, here are pictures of one of my guns, a 1916 DWM, and trust me, this gun is NOT refinished. Notice the color of the side-pate and the slight halos on the frame serial number, the extractor and the sear.
Regards, Norm

I would buy it.

I am certainly no Luger expert, but it looks good/correct to me. That price would not scare me for that Luger.

Looks like an OK piece.
Mag is a big plus.
I'd go for it.

George,
lot number may be 3341, serial number 482.
Was $1400 your bid?
I'd offer $1200.

May be fine, but use the "iffy" to get a better deal, JMHO.

Sergio - bore is lightly pitted, gray with good lands & grooves. Grip panels are unmarked on the back. There is a small grip chip repair.


Alan - I do see the many halos, but as Norm's pictures show, there are many original finish guns with halo on the extractor and in places other than the barrel. But now that you mention it, I've never seen a halo on the back of the rear toggle! I guess I'll only find out if it is truly original if I get my hands on it. With something like this I'm tempted to buy it just to see.


Norm - thanks for sharing the pics, they help me to decide. Do you think the matching mag is real?
I hadn't really considered it in the price.


- Geo

Everyone -
Thanks for the quick & honest replies! You have all convinced me to take a chance on it. I like Don's idea the best - I think I will make an offer!

- Geo

Don't like the bottom mag , big fake for me !
"4" and "2" not good , stamping too large , etc

Update - I was able to get it for $1200. Can't go wrong at that price!
And now that it is in hand, I'm convinced it is original bluing, but the straw has been redone - too dark and perfect , IMO.

- Geo

Congratulations.
For that price I think you've done it well.

Well done Geo...an excellent buy.
Ron

Yes,
that is what it was/is worth! ;)

I think the gun is great... but I have to agree with Patrice that it looks IMHO that the mag has been renumbered.