Ouestion from new guy
 

Hi People, First of all, I don't know much about Lugers. I have what I think is a 1906 American Eagle. The serial # is 495XX, all numbers seem to match, the bore is very good, but the blueing is not real great. Does this have enough value to think about restoring, or would it be better to just leave it alone? Iv'e had the gun for some 30 years, but never really thought much about it until lately. Any thoughts that you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Larry, Welcome to the Luger Forum. Regarding your Eagle, I would just leave it alone.

However, it is your Luger and if the finish is pretty well gone, you might actually increase the value by having it restored. Look down a few sections to "Refinishing" and look for TLSS. One of the Forum Members (Thor) just finished restoring an Eagle and it looks just super!

In either case Good Luck!! :)

That certainly is the correct serial number range for a 1906 American Eagle, so you very likely have identifed it correctly.

To restore or not to restore, that is the question. You say that the blueing is not that great, but how bad is it? A Luger does not have to look "new" to still be in great shape. Are all the markings clear, all the edges crisp and at least 90% blue remaining? If so, it is getting harder and harder to find an original, untouched Luger in that condition, and probably is more valuable unrestored. If it is pretty worn or has a fair amount of pitting, then restoration is a consideration and Thor does a great job.

Is there any chance you could post a couple of clear pictures of both sides? That would help a lot in assessing the condtion of your Luger. I am very fond of these early grip-safety Lugers and enjoy looking at them all.

Thanks fellas for your replies. I guess I really don't know how to judge the blueing percentage wise.There are no pits in the finish at all.The markings on the gun are very clear and crisp. I see a little wear on the bottom of the word Germany. I'm not sure if I can post a pic of the gun as I'm not real computer literate.

http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/Im000500.jpg
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/Im000504.jpg
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/Im000499.jpg

Plowboys pictures added above.

Looks in pretty nice shape to me.

EBT

DON'T RESTORE IT!!!!
Big Norm

Hi Plowboy....

After looking at the pics - and please know I am NOT an early Luger collector.... BUT...

I agree with Big Norm - DO NOT restore this one, it looks terrific!!! Just as it is...

I love the early Lugers - they have so many stories to tell, just as they are....

Thanks Ed for posting these - they are great!!!

Hi Plowboy
DO NOT RESTORE THIS LUGER. You will ruin the value of a nice old luger. IMHO

Russ

Plowboy,
I'm glad you were able to post these pictures with Ed's help. My first reaction was "that's a nice Luger!" You can see from the other responses I am not alone in my opinion. It looks a lot like my first 1906. I have obtained quite a few more Lugers since then, some in near mint condition, but I have to say that I was really fond and proud of that first one. You have a very attractive and original Luger and I, like the others, would encourage you to keep it as it is.
Best wishes and thank you for letting us enjoy your good fortune.
Ron

Plowboy, You speak of value in your initial posting. Should you choose to have this pistol"restored" it's value would plummet by at least half. If you have any sense of history and our duty to guard it as custodians for future generations you will leave this pistol in it's present condition. Thanks for asking our humble opinions before doing something rash...Jerry Burney

Thanks fella's for all the input. I will not have anything done to it period. I quess I have one other question, and that would be after seeing the pictures, what percentage would it be judged to be? Again thanks for the input and thanks to Ed for posting the pictures.

I would call it 'original blue' aged nicely!

Larry, please check your private messages.

I know this gets old for all of us but be carefull of the left grip! The top rear corner can be broken very easily when you try to remove the grip.

Congratulations on such a nice gun. My 1906 is not nearly as nice and will get restored sometime in the future. But since it has very little blue left and is pitted, it needs restoration. Yours looks great as-is.