LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Need help on Luger S/42. I have no clue! (long)

02-07-2002, 11:52 PM

The 1936 lugers are fairly common but quite popular. The mag tube should be nickel plated steel and the aluminum bottom of the mag may have any of several inspection stamps but that is determined by the serial number (not the four digits--they are not important; the LETTER code at the end of the serial is important in most cases though not so much with 1936 lugers). The letter code appears on the front of the frame under the four digits. The grips (inside), firing pin, hold open latch and rear toggle pin will have the last two digits of the serial number as do most of the other parts but on the outside (visible parts) of the pistol. The inside of the "tuning fork" receiver of the pistol is not blued and the same for the inside of the mag well etc inside parts. The safety lever, takedown lever, mag release button, ejector, and trigger are straw yellow color. The mag button spring, sear spring, pins, and grip screws are fire blue color. The polishing pattern on these can be inspected but is difficult to describe in text. It is a good way to study the originality of the finish. There are known patterns of metal work on the luger surfaces used to determine fakery.

Six months ago I passed on a full rig (two mags, tool, gun, holster) all original to 1936 and in 93% finish condition for $1600. The highest condition commands the top price, as you might have suspected. A near 100% pistol would be valuable but extremely uncommon and demand some inspection for most collectors. I think if 98% and original in all respects it would be $900 to $1350. Sorry for the wide range of values but patience and widespread advertising and photos, etc., would probably result in a value nearer to $1300. A quick sale with limited effort and cost would probably lead to a lower sale price in the $1000 region.

That is my two cents worth. I am working on completing my luger years and need 1936, 1938, 1939, and 1940 so I have been thinking of these things. Last week, I was fortunate enough to buy a complete 1918 luger rig and could not pass it up. I now am back on the trail of other lugers.

Email me directly if the seller or you would like to discuss his luger further.

Dave

02-07-2002, 11:52 PM	#2
mlm Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Need help on Luger S/42. I have no clue! (long) The 1936 lugers are fairly common but quite popular. The mag tube should be nickel plated steel and the aluminum bottom of the mag may have any of several inspection stamps but that is determined by the serial number (not the four digits--they are not important; the LETTER code at the end of the serial is important in most cases though not so much with 1936 lugers). The letter code appears on the front of the frame under the four digits. The grips (inside), firing pin, hold open latch and rear toggle pin will have the last two digits of the serial number as do most of the other parts but on the outside (visible parts) of the pistol. The inside of the "tuning fork" receiver of the pistol is not blued and the same for the inside of the mag well etc inside parts. The safety lever, takedown lever, mag release button, ejector, and trigger are straw yellow color. The mag button spring, sear spring, pins, and grip screws are fire blue color. The polishing pattern on these can be inspected but is difficult to describe in text. It is a good way to study the originality of the finish. There are known patterns of metal work on the luger surfaces used to determine fakery. Six months ago I passed on a full rig (two mags, tool, gun, holster) all original to 1936 and in 93% finish condition for $1600. The highest condition commands the top price, as you might have suspected. A near 100% pistol would be valuable but extremely uncommon and demand some inspection for most collectors. I think if 98% and original in all respects it would be $900 to $1350. Sorry for the wide range of values but patience and widespread advertising and photos, etc., would probably result in a value nearer to $1300. A quick sale with limited effort and cost would probably lead to a lower sale price in the $1000 region. That is my two cents worth. I am working on completing my luger years and need 1936, 1938, 1939, and 1940 so I have been thinking of these things. Last week, I was fortunate enough to buy a complete 1918 luger rig and could not pass it up. I now am back on the trail of other lugers. Email me directly if the seller or you would like to discuss his luger further. Dave