Good questions to ask seller on this Simson?
 

Heres a couple pics of a Simson I've been offered. This is the only description I got from the seller "Its a 9mm s/n 1644a. It has very nice grips, straw and all matching numbers except for magazine". What other questions should I be asking about this gun? Any comments or other information anyone can provide on this luger would be appreciated? Thank you.
http://www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/simson1.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/simson2.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/simson3.JPG
http://www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/simson4.JPG

Dont get me wrong, but that sure looks like a salt blued gun, but it is always hard to tell from pictures.! Are those strawed parts, too dark? Take a look inside the receiver, is it blue, it should be white. No wear on the top of the sideplate, this is a redone gun. Front edge of the grips look thick to me but Simsons were thick grips. $600 tops if all matched. Chip missing on grips. Safety well area on left side next to safety looks messed up. Serial should also be on outside of grip screws. Shoot, you need to be a Simson expert, which I am not, good luck.

This gun is bogus; it is a re-do and not a very good one at that.

TA

I'd also point out there is no wear on front gripstrap and no safety lever marking where the inside of the lever is against the frame, also no marks where the toggles strike the frame to unlock. Not a bad looking gun at all but redone, price accordingly for what it is.

rk

I really love you guys:). Thanks for the help on evaluating this luger. It is being represented as "original". I will be passing.

You did the right thing, ask the questions BEFORE you buy! Too often, it is the other way around. The excitement of a new Luger can often cloud your judgement.

You could also point out the reasons why this gun can't be original and could end up purchasing a good shooter from whoever this dealer is because he might not want to mess with it any longer if it is known that the gun is not in original condition... After you tell him why it isn't original... make him an offer of $350 and see what he says... the worst he can say is NO.

I made the seller an offer to discuss this gun further and I'll see if he would consider a reduction in his asking price. He wants WAY too much based on the observations made.

Could be several reasons.

1. He is trying to rip you off.

2. He has no idea what makes a "correct" collectable and has seen Simson Lugers go for a lot of money.

3. 1 & 2