VERY Interesting Auction!
 

There's a commercial Artillery Luger rig being sold on ebay. It began rather low but in only a day it has had 14 bids and is over $900 with more than 5 days remaining! It should be interesting to see what it brings. The auction is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...134882482&rd=1

That is a nice patina on the holster 'proper'. Why did they not stain the board?

http://ebay1.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_...85de28/i-1.JPG

http://ebay1.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_...de28/i-2_T.JPG

http://ebay1.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_...de28/i-3_T.JPG

The magazine pouch and the straps look new to me. I suspect that the holster and the stock are too. Commercial may be a code word for repro.
Big Norm [img]wink.gif[/img]

Repro was my first impression, then I looked at the bidding history. A couple of those names look familiar as folks who have bought and sold Lugers frequently, so it seems odd that they would be easily fooled, particularly at the dollar level involved. Makes me wonder whether I am totally out of it or they are. I will be the first to admit that Luger leather is not my strongest area.

[quote]Originally posted by Ron Wood:
<strong>Repro was my first impression, &lt;Snip&gt; I will be the first to admit that Luger leather is not my strongest area.</strong><hr></blockquote>

While I didn't say so in my initial post, I too think it's a little too nice. The lower boot strap appears to be new and not a crack in the leather anywhere. The stock, as Wes points out, is much too blonde. It's gotten into some serious money and I would definitely want a return priviledge if I were bidding.

What surprised me most was the way the bidding took off so quickly after appearing on ebay. That's unusual with more than 5 days remaining. Usually the real bidding is in the final minutes of an auction. I guess this one has appeal.

The appeal is the nice picture.

I have a repro holster that looks exactly like this one. The dealer threw it in with an artillery, after I negotiated a price on the gun. Yah right, its a commercial alright. A 1999 commercial. Maybe $250 at best.
Big Norm [img]frown.gif[/img]

I see that Tom A is high bidder. I am beginning to suspect that he collects repros.

I believe that this is the second time within twelve months that this rig has been auctioned. If I am correct, then the first time around it was auctioned by a known "dealer" in Minnesota. I have had dealings with the current owner and feel that he is straight-up.

Further, I have no self control when it comes to artilleries and I will not bid on this one.

This item has been taken off of the auction. I wonder what this is about? As mentioned earlier, all the people involved are known and respected individuals.
Big Norm [img]confused.gif[/img]

Quite possibly the seller has observed this discussion and has realized the error of his words and withdrawn the item so as not to get a rep for shaky advertising language... [img]rolleyes.gif[/img]