LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Refinish or not, a matching Luger is still original, yes?

kidvett · 10-14-2009, 06:35 PM

Bill,

Interesting topic you started. I'll jump in as I'm into Corvettes longer than I'm into Lugers....

In comparison of the 2 (Lugers vs Corvettes) I believe that a main difference in the whole hobby picture would be that the Vette will possibly be driven as to ``who would shoot a collectible Luger`` ?? This could be influencing the whole issue...

I would compare a fine collectible Luger, I'd say a 1906 Navy 95% with matching mag, to a 65 Fuelie Convt w/ 20K miles. Very few would shoot that pistol & this car wouldnt be driven much (trailer queen...) In both cases the risk of breakage, ruining the value, in imperative...As with those ``biggies`` investment is part of the whole perspective...Examples around here: a fellow has a 70 LT-1 w/ 20K miles, goes to local shows only...I had a few high grade collectible Lugers, never shot any of them as I have shooters...

So I guess on the high end items it's similar....What could mix things up are the average-mid pieces...A nice all matching Luger 80% and an all original Vette showing it's age....In both cases they can be restored but which one will likely hold it's value more ?? Again I believe the actual value is a big part of it....Availability / rarity is also to be considered. Why undergo the restoration of an 80% Luger when you can upgrade it...Upgrade from an original 69 L88 ?? I dont think so....

Being an NCRS member & going to the Carlisle Show annually, I've seen lots of interesting (& not so interesting) stuff happening with Corvettes...Fakery, boosting, false documents, you name it...(yes I know it happens too with Lugers)...all done for profit !! And in the car hobby, most people going for the big certifications (BG, Top Flight, Duntov, Bowtie, etc) do it to increase the value before selling...How many use a Top Flight car as a week end driver ?? Others undergo the ``Top Flight road`` as a personnal acomplishment...This we cannot do with Lugers....

I have not seen restored Lugers going on par with originals. Few rare ones would be worth it but even then I'm unsure their value would be up to the same piece in 80%+ original condition. And I dont have the explanation why restored Vettes fetch more in some cases...

I agree with those who mentionned that a collectible Luger will still be collectible even if a small part (ex. axle pin) isnt matching....

Sorry if I jumped in this tread to mainly talk about Corvettes. The comparison can be interesting as they both are Collectibles...

Lastly, I drive an 82 ``Survivor`` & am undergoing the ``Top Flight Road`` with my 72 LT-1 Convt...

10-14-2009, 06:35 PM	#13
kidvett User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Montreal, Quebec Posts: 584 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Bill, Interesting topic you started. I'll jump in as I'm into Corvettes longer than I'm into Lugers.... In comparison of the 2 (Lugers vs Corvettes) I believe that a main difference in the whole hobby picture would be that the Vette will possibly be driven as to ``who would shoot a collectible Luger`` ?? This could be influencing the whole issue... I would compare a fine collectible Luger, I'd say a 1906 Navy 95% with matching mag, to a 65 Fuelie Convt w/ 20K miles. Very few would shoot that pistol & this car wouldnt be driven much (trailer queen...) In both cases the risk of breakage, ruining the value, in imperative...As with those ``biggies`` investment is part of the whole perspective...Examples around here: a fellow has a 70 LT-1 w/ 20K miles, goes to local shows only...I had a few high grade collectible Lugers, never shot any of them as I have shooters... So I guess on the high end items it's similar....What could mix things up are the average-mid pieces...A nice all matching Luger 80% and an all original Vette showing it's age....In both cases they can be restored but which one will likely hold it's value more ?? Again I believe the actual value is a big part of it....Availability / rarity is also to be considered. Why undergo the restoration of an 80% Luger when you can upgrade it...Upgrade from an original 69 L88 ?? I dont think so.... Being an NCRS member & going to the Carlisle Show annually, I've seen lots of interesting (& not so interesting) stuff happening with Corvettes...Fakery, boosting, false documents, you name it...(yes I know it happens too with Lugers)...all done for profit !! And in the car hobby, most people going for the big certifications (BG, Top Flight, Duntov, Bowtie, etc) do it to increase the value before selling...How many use a Top Flight car as a week end driver ?? Others undergo the ``Top Flight road`` as a personnal acomplishment...This we cannot do with Lugers.... I have not seen restored Lugers going on par with originals. Few rare ones would be worth it but even then I'm unsure their value would be up to the same piece in 80%+ original condition. And I dont have the explanation why restored Vettes fetch more in some cases... I agree with those who mentionned that a collectible Luger will still be collectible even if a small part (ex. axle pin) isnt matching.... Sorry if I jumped in this tread to mainly talk about Corvettes. The comparison can be interesting as they both are Collectibles... Lastly, I drive an 82 ``Survivor`` & am undergoing the ``Top Flight Road`` with my 72 LT-1 Convt...