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VC · 07-24-2012, 10:51 AM

Hello Ron!
I am Bulgarian and I am interested in anything that is related to the Bulgarian history. I need help with this Bulgarian Luger.
I don't know where to start

1. OK this is obviously not Artillery model but may be Navy.
2. I could not find any data for Navy-Bulgarian model.
3. The barrel was replaced - that is why there is no serial number on the barrel.
4. I was not able to find any info for Bulgarian Luger with barrel longer than 4.75 inch. I found info (and I saw in Bulgaria guns that were re-barreled back in 1910-1948 to 9mm, but they usually have shorter barrel - 100 mm, not longer. Sometimes the barrel will have re-punched serial numbers which was a requirement after the communists come on power and strict control of all guns came on place.
5. The Bulgarian models have the text on the frame for safety in Cyrillic not in German. I cannot see if the loaded chamber indicator has "Loaded" text in Cyrillic nor if it has serial number that is matching the frame.
6. I cannot find reasonable explanation the combination of German text with the Bulgarian Lion stamped on the right side of the barrel housing, Bulgarian crest on the toggle and the matching serial numbers.
7. The gun looks re-polished and refinished - the pitting around the lion bench mark are surrounded by perfect bluing which is only possible if the gun was re-polished and re-finished but the rust damage was too deep. The color of the original bluing is grayish-black and this is more blue-purple The bluing color is typical for the chemical process which was not used when this gun was manufactured.
All these brings me to the main problem - please help me understand what is this and does it have any collectible value. I do have some knowledge in antiques and guns (major in history and archaeology, years of expeditions back in Bulgaria, over 10 years in restoration, appraisal and sales of Greek, Roman and Byzantine antiquities here in the States; 36 years in sport shooting, Assistant National Pistol Coach for US and importer, distributer and service provider for Pardini pistols in US) but I am completely lost here. Or maybe I wish this to be a real Bulgarian Luger too much and don't wont to accept that this is forgery and need your reassurance

Thank you and anybody else who can help!
Vladimir Chichkov

07-24-2012, 10:51 AM	#18
VC New User Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hello Ron! I am Bulgarian and I am interested in anything that is related to the Bulgarian history. I need help with this Bulgarian Luger. I don't know where to start 1. OK this is obviously not Artillery model but may be Navy. 2. I could not find any data for Navy-Bulgarian model. 3. The barrel was replaced - that is why there is no serial number on the barrel. 4. I was not able to find any info for Bulgarian Luger with barrel longer than 4.75 inch. I found info (and I saw in Bulgaria guns that were re-barreled back in 1910-1948 to 9mm, but they usually have shorter barrel - 100 mm, not longer. Sometimes the barrel will have re-punched serial numbers which was a requirement after the communists come on power and strict control of all guns came on place. 5. The Bulgarian models have the text on the frame for safety in Cyrillic not in German. I cannot see if the loaded chamber indicator has "Loaded" text in Cyrillic nor if it has serial number that is matching the frame. 6. I cannot find reasonable explanation the combination of German text with the Bulgarian Lion stamped on the right side of the barrel housing, Bulgarian crest on the toggle and the matching serial numbers. 7. The gun looks re-polished and refinished - the pitting around the lion bench mark are surrounded by perfect bluing which is only possible if the gun was re-polished and re-finished but the rust damage was too deep. The color of the original bluing is grayish-black and this is more blue-purple The bluing color is typical for the chemical process which was not used when this gun was manufactured. All these brings me to the main problem - please help me understand what is this and does it have any collectible value. I do have some knowledge in antiques and guns (major in history and archaeology, years of expeditions back in Bulgaria, over 10 years in restoration, appraisal and sales of Greek, Roman and Byzantine antiquities here in the States; 36 years in sport shooting, Assistant National Pistol Coach for US and importer, distributer and service provider for Pardini pistols in US) but I am completely lost here. Or maybe I wish this to be a real Bulgarian Luger too much and don't wont to accept that this is forgery and need your reassurance Thank you and anybody else who can help! Vladimir Chichkov