The question is, can collectors openly discuss the authenticity or flaws of a Luger without causing other people/collectors to become uncomfortable or angry? If we are restricted in what we write on the forums in order to protect the preying crooks, then there is a likelihood that more fake Lugers will continue to be made and purchased by those collectors with lesser knowledge. Some collectors will say, "who cares, as long as it does not affect me" - is this the right attitude? Unfortunately, some collectors in our society are willing to protect the reputation of those crooks because of 'politics' and personal relationships, and these 'dreamers' who follow and worship those crooks continue to buy Lugers from the crooks based on fantasies hoping that they are buying the 'real deal'. Well, eventually when the truth comes out, it hurts like a mother- ! Who likes to waste their hard earned money because they might be naive? It is sad to see the decline of ethics and honesty in the collectors society and who knows how many collectors will be hurt by such appalling practices?
For the many collectors who do not know, the Baby Luger serial #4 (which was once owned by Pat Redmond) is mismatched even if it might be the only original Baby Luger known to exist. This pistol will NOT function normally because the upper receiver is in .380 caliber and the frame is for a Baby Luger in caliber .32. The combination might be in reverse, but the pistol was mentioned to be assembled from two different Baby Lugers. If one looks carefully at any photo of this Baby Luger, it will be observed that the magazine does not sit perfectly in the magazine well, and it appears somewhat crude for a pistol being made by DWM. A genuine Baby Luger coming out of DWM would have been made to very high standards even if there were prior problems in its design and production.
Before a collector gets all excited about a certain Luger, he should learn about the traditions of Germany and the high standards that were expected from those German factories such as DWM or Mauser. It is a good habit to have suspicion about a Luger especially if it is extremely rare and expensive. It is not surprising that some of these pistols are now being sold by auctions which are a good channel to get them into the market place.
Be ware,
Albert
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