Pricing opinion
 

Good day all!

Hope you are well. I've come across a 1942 BYF Mauser Luger with the E/135 markings, "42" chamber stamp and black plastic grips. Amatuerish research, indicates this is one that would fall into the "Black Widow" category, but I also am aware that the term "Black Widow" was a bit of a marketing ploy by Mr. Shattuck early on.

It has been refinished, many of the markings are better than 50% gone and the magazine is not correct for the gun. Condition appears good. No rig for it, either. He's looking for the little reloading tool he got with it, so we'll see.

I'm planning a test fire, but wanted to get a sense of the price. He's asking $1850.

How oes this pricing stack up with averages?

Refinished with partially obliterated markings? That makes it a shooter at best and way overpriced IMO.

Partial markings
 

The main markings are the proof marks. i can make out that they are E/135, but can only see part of the eagle, and it took a few minutes to decide what I was looking at was not E/655.

But most of the other markings are fine, just no markings under the barrel.

If it has been reblued, it's "shooter" grade, and not really a collectible. Less than 1500 would seem acceptable. Absolutely no more than that for a reblue.

If Lugers don't crop up in your area, it's a good idea to post a WTB ad in the section for it, and watch the WTS section for something offered by a forum member--whether you're after a shooter or collectible. This community here offers many fair/square deals...because we are the BEST, of course!

Online auctions and classified sites can be another possible source if the terms of the seller are acceptable, and your experiential level is high enough to know what you're looking at to begin with.

From what you described, it sounds like the unmarked barrel is a replacement.
Military barrels would be clearly marked.
I'm thinking $1,200, mostly because of the barrel is questionable.
Make sure it's a 9mm barrel and look for the witness marks under the barrel.

pictures would be appreciated.

I actually have one in another forum looking for one. It was how I found the other one I have. Though I will post one. I just don't want to have to deal with FFL-FFL transfers because here in Kommiefornia, that's an expensive thing. And yes....this forum is thge best place for Lugers. I have learned a lot from you guys!

I'm going to try the pic thing. I hope this works out. Please let me know if it doesn't.

What area of California do you reside? There are a few collectors still around Ca and would help you with finding a decent Luger.

I am in the San Diego area. LA might be a bit far, but for the right one, I'd be willing to travel a bit as long as I can get there by car.

Any opinions on the one pictured?

It is definitely reblued, worth about $500-$700 less than described. I realize that California can be more expensive, but that is too much.

The acceptance stamps were buffed away, so that gun probably had a lot of corrosion and pitting before it was reblued. Pass on it. Lots of red flags.

It would probably make a good shooter. I wouldn't pay more then 1k for it.

bump

Pass on it, save your gold.

I agree Pass on it. Bill