New member....Navy Luger info needed
 

Hi fellas thanks for allowing me to join. I am offered the opportunity to purchase a Luger that belongs to my wife's 87 year old uncle. He was gifted this Luger back in the early 70's from a dear friend and former Merchant Marine. I will be traveling to visit him in a few weeks and wanted to get the opinions of the pro's on this firearm. The photo's I have are the only ones available at this time. I first want to know if it looks legit, and your thoughts on condition and a fair present day value. I would consider myself a novice collector and due presently own a couple Luger's that most would classify as "shooters" but I think this particular gun is well beyond that and I want to pay him a fair price.....It is described as being a P06 Navy, 1st issue, altered safety and unit marked W.W. 1383 with the finish at 98%. Sr# in the 3900's with the A suffix an of course all matching except the mag. Hope the pictures help. Look forward to your valued opinions and thanks again for allowing me in the conversation's.

Wow, that is a dandy! Definitely not shooter grade. That is a high dollar collectible piece, particularly if that correct Navy magazine matches the gun. I will let the Navy collecting experts estimate the value, but I suspect it will make your eyes water. :)
Ron

Post some pictures of the front left side of the receiver in closeup, and the areas of the front of the frame with the serial number and the barrel markings.

I think you've got a good one, but am not an expert and know that they will need a look at these areas.

Note that these high value Lugers are often faked, so establishing that it is correct is important.

I strongly recommend against trying to fire these very expensive scarce and collectible firearms.

Hi Gary,
1906 1st Issue Altered Navy #3917a is a known gun and looks very fine indeed. I think $5,500.00 would be a fair price for both buyer and seller. If the magazine was matching numbered you could add $200.00 to that. If you want a link to the Navy List which lists all known Navy Lugers send me a PM (Private Message) with your email address, I'll send you the link.
Regards, Norm

Just courios to know if there’s very much info on these unit markings.

Hi David,
The 'W.W./ 1383' is one of the more common property marks found on Imperial Navy Lugers, it stands for 'Werft Wilhelmshaven/weapon number', the naval dockyard which supplied Germany's high seas fleet.
Regards, Norm

Thanks Norm. You and your knowledge of these firearms is remarkable. You are certainly a true asset to this forum.