[mrerick]

Hi Jim, and welcome to the forum.

Congratulations on receiving your family heirloom.

You do have what appears to be a collectable Luger. It looks to be in very good condition, and in it's original finish.

Don't store it in the holster. This can cause corrosion as the acids used in tanning leather can continue their work on metals.

Your pistol's complete serial number is "1297l" The "l" italic lower case "L" character is part of the s/n, and a suffix. Are all the numbered small parts "97"? If you want to dis-assemble it, check out the tutorials on this site, and be very careful, especially with the left grip near the safety lever. Use the right size screwdriver to avoid galling the grip screw slots.
It would be wise to resist the temptation to fire it, since breaking a part (particularly a numbered one) reduces it's financial value considerably, as well as it's historic value. Breakage of Lugers, particularly older ones, is not uncommon. You'll find a number of "regret" postings on this board if you search.

Try to post a picture of the base of the matching magazine. "G.T." on this board can probably repair it for you. The matching magazine, if authentic, adds to the value of your Luger about 15-25%.

The Germans never marked holsters like yours. As it was done post war, it eliminates collector interest in the holster, and considerably reduces it's financial and historic value.

"8.84" on the barrel refers to it's caliber, which is 9mm Luger.

The "halos" around the barrel s/n confirm that it is in original finish.

It may be a rather high state condition. Hard to estimate from the pictures. The higher the condition state, the more valuable. Strawing looks very good.

Store it without anything loaded in the magazines, and with the firing pin relieved (not cocked).

Marc