Need advice on 1918 artillery
 

I have a chance to get a 1918 artillery luger with holster and stock. I don't have pictures, so I know it is hard to give an estimate, but I wondered value range. The gun is all matching inside and out. The bluing rates at least 90%+. I didn't take the grips off to see if the grips were numbered as the screws were both really tight to turn and didn't want to mess with that. It has a period nice shape holster with original cleaning rod and unmarked tool. It has an original shoulder stock, but the number doesn't match the gun. There is also an imperial proofmark on the stock. The screws attaching the board look old and unturned. The board itself is in nice shape with no chips or bad scars. It looks like a nice rig.. The mag was not matching to the gun, but original period mag. The guy is taking offers, so I offered $3500. I wondered if that is a fair offer, or am I too high or low? Thanks fo9r any advice you may offer.
Dave

If the rig is as described the stock sounds legit and the holster solid with the pistol having numbers matching I would think the value is closer to $5000.

Wow, that surprises me. Even with the non matching stock? Thanks for the reply.
Dave

Always insist on an inspection period, in case it doesn't live up to the description.
This is particularly important with Lugers, as they have so many matching parts.

I inspected this one in hand. A guy brought it in to a local shop and is taking offers. One of my old students who works at the shop told me about it, so I went in and inspected it.

Did you buy it after your inspection?

No, the owner is taking offers, so I won't know for a day or two.

Jan Still estimated an overall production of 155,000 artillery Lugers, of which 25,000 were produced in1918 and 90,000 in 1917. As you can tell there are a lot more 1917's available which add a premium to the other years especially 1914 as estimated production is only 5,000.

Interesting. Thank you for that.
Dave

DWM Artillery production may have only been 5,000 in 1914 but Erfurt Artillery production is estimated at 21,000. The 1914 DWM Artillery is obviously more rare.

Sounds like the real estate market method of selling.

Ya, I thought the same thing. If I get it, great, but if not, I'm ok with that, too. Thanks for the info and help.
Dave