LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - 1940 solid black luger w/black leather case

Marvin · 03-07-2001, 08:53 AM

Richmond,

A little more information may be required, but I will try to help a little. Your Luger sounds like a standard 1940 dated pistol manufactured by Mauser Werke, Oberndorf, Germany. The manufacturers code will be stamped on the middle toggle link, such as S/42, 42, or even possibly "byf". These are fairly common pistols. You do not state the condition of the pistol and this makes a big difference in the value. Assuming the pistol is in excellent condition which would be at least 95% bluing, the value would be approx. $800-900. If the magazine matches the pistol, the value would be in the $900-1,000 range. These pistols are of excellent quality manufacture, salt blued, and should have the standard wood grips. The magazine should be an aluminum bottom type with the full serial number matching the pistol with the letter suffix.

On the right side of the frame will be three stamps, the two with the numbers under the Eagle are the Waffenamt stamps. These are the internal Government inspectors stamps which indicate that the part/s have passed the rigourous testing demanded by the German Governement. The other stamp which is an Eagle clutching a Swastika in a circle is the final firing test proof stamp. This stamp indicates that at least 3 proof rounds have been fired and the pistol has passed all requirements required. The German Governement had very strict rules for all firearms and these were followee up until the last few weeks of the war.

The holster sound like a standard Luger holster. On the back of the holster, there should be a large P.08 stamp, a manufacturers name or code stamp and the year date of manufacture. If you provide the stamp info, we can give you a little more information on the holster. The silver Eagle with the Swastika sounds like a Heer, or Army, cap badge. This was fairly common for a US soldier to remove the badge and place it on the front flap of the holster. Without seeing the Eagle, I can't tell if it is Luftwaffe or Army. I don't think it is an SS badge. This usually does not add any value to the holster and if it is removed it will devalue the holster because there will be holes left in the flap. The holster, again condition is everything, would be valued in the $200 range if it is in excellent condtion. I also assume the takedown tool will be in the compartment under the front flap. If a spare magazine is included, this would add another $50-75 to the value. If the spare magazine matches, the value would be even more.

I hope this helps a little and if you would like much more detail information, a book by Jan Still, "Third Reich Lugers" is available for approx. $60 and well worth the price. Let us know any additional details and any questions and they will be answered. Maybe someone else may provide a little more information.

Marvin

03-07-2001, 08:53 AM	#2
Marvin User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 1,132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1940 solid black luger w/black leather case Richmond, A little more information may be required, but I will try to help a little. Your Luger sounds like a standard 1940 dated pistol manufactured by Mauser Werke, Oberndorf, Germany. The manufacturers code will be stamped on the middle toggle link, such as S/42, 42, or even possibly "byf". These are fairly common pistols. You do not state the condition of the pistol and this makes a big difference in the value. Assuming the pistol is in excellent condition which would be at least 95% bluing, the value would be approx. $800-900. If the magazine matches the pistol, the value would be in the $900-1,000 range. These pistols are of excellent quality manufacture, salt blued, and should have the standard wood grips. The magazine should be an aluminum bottom type with the full serial number matching the pistol with the letter suffix. On the right side of the frame will be three stamps, the two with the numbers under the Eagle are the Waffenamt stamps. These are the internal Government inspectors stamps which indicate that the part/s have passed the rigourous testing demanded by the German Governement. The other stamp which is an Eagle clutching a Swastika in a circle is the final firing test proof stamp. This stamp indicates that at least 3 proof rounds have been fired and the pistol has passed all requirements required. The German Governement had very strict rules for all firearms and these were followee up until the last few weeks of the war. The holster sound like a standard Luger holster. On the back of the holster, there should be a large P.08 stamp, a manufacturers name or code stamp and the year date of manufacture. If you provide the stamp info, we can give you a little more information on the holster. The silver Eagle with the Swastika sounds like a Heer, or Army, cap badge. This was fairly common for a US soldier to remove the badge and place it on the front flap of the holster. Without seeing the Eagle, I can't tell if it is Luftwaffe or Army. I don't think it is an SS badge. This usually does not add any value to the holster and if it is removed it will devalue the holster because there will be holes left in the flap. The holster, again condition is everything, would be valued in the $200 range if it is in excellent condtion. I also assume the takedown tool will be in the compartment under the front flap. If a spare magazine is included, this would add another $50-75 to the value. If the spare magazine matches, the value would be even more. I hope this helps a little and if you would like much more detail information, a book by Jan Still, "Third Reich Lugers" is available for approx. $60 and well worth the price. Let us know any additional details and any questions and they will be answered. Maybe someone else may provide a little more information. Marvin