Dad Collection of Lugers for sale
 

My Dad passed away and left me a collection of six lugers. What is a good source to have a market value set on them and where is a good place to sell them? PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT FJ@STUBBS.COM


They are as follows:


Year Description/Model Serial #


1914 ERFERT-ARTILLERY (CROWN) 7772


1906 CROWN M2-PORTUGESE ARMY 1890


1904-1914 NAVY 4532


1923 COMMERCIAL (30 CAL) 8209


1900 COMMERCIAL AMERICAN EAGLE 18908


1933 DUTCH (VICKERS 9MM) 6094

Re: Dad Collection of Lugers for sale
 

Welcome to the Luger Forum Fred,


This is an appropriate place to get an unbiased opinion on the value of your six Lugers. There are many collecters and a dealer who are members of this site, and will give you a fair appraisal of your weapons.


However, much of the value of a weapon is tied up in three areas; the variation, the stamps and the condition. Without this knowledge, no-one can make any meaningful assessment for you.


In our Technical Information section, you will find two versions of Indentification Sheets. Print off one or both of these, and supply the suggested information on each weapon.


Also in the Technical Information section there is a listing of most of the stamps that will be found on the Lugers. These are "acceptance" stamps, and will tell a lot about the weapon. Stamps are generally found on the right side of the receiver (immediately behind the barrel), on the left side in the same position (depending on variation), and under or on the side of the barrel. Occasionally, stamps are found in other places, but these are the norm. Make careful note of ALL stamps and where they appear, even if they are not listed in our examples.


Make a note of the serial number (as you have done) which appears on the front of the frame beneath the barrell, and should have a small cursive letter under it. This letter is as important as the number, so if it exists (and it may not) be sure to note it. The serial number may also appear under the barrel and on the left side receiver, and the last two digits should appear on all small parts. Make note where the two numbers DO NOT match.


The magazines may or may not have matching serial numbers, both are correct, although matching magazines definitely increase your value if the magazine is the correct one for the weapon. Note the bottoms, are they wood, plastic or aluminum.


Does the weapon have some small parts which appear not to be blued, noteably the trigger, the safety lever (left-side rear), and the take-down lever (left side front). This is known as "strawing" and was common in many Lugers up the WWII. Make note of it and what condition the strawing and the bluing is in, expressed as a percentage.


Lastly, the condition and material of the grips, wood or synthetic material.


Armed with this information, we can provide a fairly honest and resonably accurate assessment of the value of your collection. If you can provide digital pictures, so much the better. Congratulations on receiving this very fine collection, it sounds like you've got quite a special group of Lugers. We wait with baited breath, to hear more.


Dok (WebMaster)

Re: Dad Collection of Lugers for sale
 

Regarding the sale of your Lugers, having valued them, there are a number of outlets, which include gun auctions, dealers and our own Classified Section. You may find many collectors on this forum interested in purchasing them. I'm sure today there will be much interest.


Good Luck,


Dok (WebMaster)

Fred, first and foremost, may I speak for the entire Luger Forum
 

in offering our condolences on the loss of your father. My Dad also owns a couple of Lugers that he brought home from WW2 himself, but I treasure each day that he is still with us. He will be 82 in July, and he is still my hero.


With regard to your inheritance of 6 fine Luger pistols: They were obviously important to your Dad. I would follows Dok's advice and get them appraised by completing the information forms that he mentioned, if only for insurance purposes... I would also recommend that you think long and hard about whether or not you would want to part with them... or treasure them as he did and then pass them on to your children in his memory.


Fred, I would hate for you to regret not keeping them some day when YOUR grandchild asks you what ever happened to the war trophies that great-grandad brought home from the war?


If you do choose to sell them, once they are appraised, you will get fair offers here and I recommend using the classified ads here on the forum. In addition to filling out the information forms, posting photographs here on the forum would improve the accuracy of any appraisals that you get, not to mention make them visible to potential buyers.


Welcome to the Luger Forum and I wish meeting you were under happier circumstances.


-John

Re: Fred, first and foremost, may I speak for the entire Luger Forum
 

Fred, by the way the 1914 Erfurt Artillery is going to be worth a premium. 1914 Was the ONLY Year according to Jan Still "Imperial Lugers" that they were made. Good luck! Ted

Re: Fred, first and foremost, may I speak for the entire Luger Forum
 

Fred,


I would like to add a little to what John has stated. If you do sell the pistols, give the buer a little history of who, what, when and where the pistols came from. This will maybe kkep some of the history with the pistols and will keep the memory of your dad alive to whoever pusrches them and to the the next purchasers.


Most collectors would love to know as much information as possible as to the history behind the pistols. Several months ago, I purchased 2 pistols from a co-worker that his dad had brought back from Europe. I also received some German medals, money, etc, which was brought back. I have been able to put together a history of the soldier who brought them back to keep together with the pistols for future reference. The co-worker has also sent for his dad's wartime miltary records and I will receive a copy of this to include with the pistols. By doing this, the memory of the soldiers who brought these items back will never die. Just a thought.


Marvin

Well said John, I can't add a thing (EOM)
 

Re: Dad Collection of Lugers for sale
 

Fred;


May I add that if you can obtain reasonably good close-up photographs of the Luger, they would be invaluable in assessing the condition of each firearm. You could post them to this forum or send them directly to John Sabato for posting.


My condolences to you and yours, and I agree with the other comments about thinking long and hard before parting with these treasured personal effects of your father.


Regards;

Re: Fred, first and foremost, may I speak for the entire Luger Forum
 

My condolences to you and your family.


I also, as Frank said, can't add a thing to John's eloquent note, but I do want to emphasize that waiting to be certain that you really want to sell them is a very good idea: you can never go back.


My father died two years ago aged eighty-eight. He had disposed of many of his war trophies over the years, but what was left is still a treasure trove about him, other people, events, places, and times. I very much regret the loss.


Welcome to the Forum. I am certain that you will get all the assistance and support needed.


Best regards.


Bob

Marvin, excellent point!
 

I personally have purchased pistols that I would have passed on only because I was able to obtain a detailed history to go with it. I wish I had documentation with all of my pistols but that would limit my 'Walter Mitty' time too much.

Re: Dad Collection of Lugers for sale
 

I do not know your age but, if it is anywhere close to mine...55...keep the Lugers even if only a few of them at least. Compared to the Lugers, the money will mean little! Those Lugers of your Dad's meant much to him...let him know in your own way that they mean much to you. Even if you keep the most valuable of the lot, remember him through that pistol, as I should have. One of my biggest regrets in life was not keeping that damned Luger! Depending on your relationship with your Dad, small things now to you, become much bigger as the years roll past.


The above is just one opinion..mine....good luck and God bless!


Milt Keller

Re: Dad Collection of Lugers for sale
 

I wish to thank each of you for all your good advice. You have given me a good deal to research, so it will take me a while to do my home work. Thanks again.