Is a strawed Luger more valuable?
 

Looking into purchasing my first Luger and I've decided that I want to start with a Mauser built WWII era P08. I have my eyes on a couple that I'm considering. My question is, for two guns that are otherwise similar in condition, would an S/42 made in, for example, 1936 with strawed parts be worth more than, say, a second variation 1937 S/42 without strawing?

From a collector's standpoint would there be any reason to go with one over the other if condition, matching numbers, etc were all otherwise the same?

IMHO, it's all personal preference.

Pretty much same. For regular Mauser, the dominating factor in value is condition due to there are many of them. From a collector's standpoint, they need both. If you just buy one, buy the one that you like if condition is same. Otherwise, pick up the slightly better one. For short term trading, pick up the one lower than market typical price regardless of condition.

I'd give a slight edge to a rust blued and strawed early 1937 over the later salt blued 1937's only because you see fewer of them.
Not much significance on your 1936 vs. later 1937 guns.
Conversely, there is a certain allure with the WW2 guns and their improvements in metallurgy.
Nuthin's simple...
dju

I'm starting to realize that!

Unrelated, but I've also noticed that some pistols have an extractor that appears reddish in color. It is numbered consistent with the rest of the gun but just has a different color. Based on some research I did, it sounds like this was fairly common starting in the 1938 Mausers. Was this just a different heat treatment that Mauser adapted for the extractors to make them more durable? Would this have been done on any other of the pistols internal parts as well, or just the extractor?

Some in that era were very purple, including different parts of the gun. Actually odd looking. I always attributed it to late war expedience, inadequate bluing solution, etc, but don't know that for a fact. It would be interesting to ask Thor if those guns re-blue the same as others.
dju

Those lovely plum colors will disappear with re-bluing. It's caused by variations in the chemistry, including heat and time, of the bluing process.

The Mauser extractor modification beefed up its area that hooks over the pivot pin. The Swiss also did this by making the area a hole (v. a notch) with material completely surrounding the pin. Either of these would be a good substitute for a numbered original if you're swapping out parts so as to shoot a collectible. An extractor's color difference is generally unintended and cosmetic, as above.

Mauser also instituted the "Mauser Hump" which is the extra bit of material on the back, upper corners of the receiver's "ears." It is supposed to prevent the rear axle from sliding out of place if the action moves back a bit too far. It can be spotted at a glance. IIRC, the Navy pistols' configuration had already solved that problem by having a larger D. flange on the axle. But I think this made the flange itself susceptible to breaking off, which would result in a pin and a washer.:D

There are NO WW2 1938 lugers, none (but I see you said era :) )

The war in Europe started in 1939 - third reich era would be correct terminology

It's in the eyes of the beholder. Some prefer the Imperial or Weimar era, some the Swiss Lugers. The Mauser made Lugers came in both. Rust blued and strawed until early 1937, and salt blued after that.

They were at war, and looking for an efficient way to produce a military firearm.

The variations are both interesting, sometimes contribute to rarity and make the hobby of Luger collecting both deep and wide.

I think that the most desirable Lugers are those that are as close to original factory state as possible.

Can anyone explain strawed Luger to me please?

John, A strawed Luger has some of the parts appear in a golden straw color, trigger, take down lever, safety lever to name a few.

Thank you. I am still learning things here.

I think most people that refer to late 30s lugers as "ww2" are doing so because they were most likely issued or used during the war. I would hope most people know SOME history, like when the war broke out. maybe that's an overreach, though :rolleyes:

John, (BigCity),

You'd probably enjoy our FAQ PDF document.

Marc

Here is a strawed Luger and a Mauser Luger with blued parts. Two of the 400 +- Lugers I have restored.
http://members.rennlist.org/lugerman/BigErfurtLuger.jpg
http://members.rennlist.org/lugerman/LBBWA2.jpg

A prior straw thread from a few years ago! http://luger.gunboards.com/showthrea...sh-Restoration

BigCity

The Luger world is probably one of the most complicated, so I think it would be a very good idea to read properly all the FAQ in this site, and start to educate yourself as in my opinion especially on "Lugers" there is an awful lot to learn. :thumbup:

Regards