Opinion Needed
 

Hello all,

I'm putting together a P08 (1938 S/42) that I bought in pieces from what I've learned is from the estate of a gentleman that recently passed away. Anyway, I think that he had started to refinish it but never got to it and over time a few parts were misplaced, namely the locking bolt, side plate, grips & screws and the main spring and guide. The upper was complete and all matching except it has had a 6" 9mm barrel installed not original to the gun. The barrel has no identification or proof marks and I have no information about it. All the lower parts except what I mentioned above are matching as well.

Right now I've got about $425 in it and another 130 in parts on the way to make it functional. I found the correctly numbered locking bolt and side plate for $100 and $85 respectively but I'm hesitant in buying.

My question is, would it be advantageous it to spend the extra money for a correctly numbered lock bolt and side plate? And if it would any resale value to it. Is anyone run across 6"barrels with no visible identification?

I know that its value will never be more than that of a shooter but all parts would be matching less the barrel, grips and Mag.

Sorry for being long winded.

Hi Rick,
I don't think a couple of matching numbered parts will add any extra value. This gun could never pass as original. It's like virginity, once it's lost, it's gone forever.
Norm

I agree with Norme. Acquire some good quality parts to complete the Luger to shooting status, refinish the parts, if that is what you want to do(I would), and have a good shooter to take to the range and enjoy. You will never lose money on this Luger, as you will have so little in it when it is done......unless you spent a bunch on getting it refinished. I would do the refinish myself and save the $$$. :)

Thanks and a great metaphor Norme. Refinishing to me is a good cleaning.

I just bought a new 6'' Numrich barrel that was perfect. The person I got it from said he bought it 15 years or so ago. It is beautiful and has no marking or stamps. Might have been one of them.

The problem is this: if you cannot assemble this one up very close to an original gun, you won't get much from it. If you are a very capable craftsman and you can assemble this one up very close to an original gun, people paid serious $$ to you on it will hate you after they find out. Not worth it.

So, assembling parts gun is just for self play, no need to put much concern on value.

"My question is, would it be advantageous it to spend the extra money for a correctly numbered lock bolt and side plate? And if it would any resale value to it. Is anyone run across 6"barrels with no visible identification?"

Answers to above:
No;
you already have what it is worth in it or on order, IMO;
Yes, aftermarket commercial barrels.

You might have the same numbers on the parts, but they will not be "matching"; and matching "except...." is being like a little pregnant. ;)

Couldn't agree more Don. It's all about personal preference, not to deceive a future buyer. Incidentally, if you're still searching for particular numbered side plates, genuine-militaria_com on gunbroker probably has them.

I totally agree with Norme, I wouldn't even consider "value", still assembling it will surely add to your knowledge on Lugers.

You're right Sergio, nothing beats hands on. I've collected C&R military for over 30yrs but always excluded lugers for lack of knowledge. So a new chapter began last year with my first.

I am sorry to say it... but, you are doomed. :evilgrin:

I am just the first one to say it. :D

I would be more concerned with getting that bent trigger guard fixed than with matching numbers. :rolleyes:

That's where we differ sheepherder. Resurrection not restoration. She's earned her battle scars and wears them proudly.

Good one! :roflmao:

The bent TG is a 5 minute fix.

Been there. Done that. :rolleyes: