[mrerick]

John, welcome to the forum. Congratulations on what looks like it may be a mint Mauser Luger. Generally, with collectable firearms, it's OK to disclose your serial number since the tracking done by forum members is one of the ways we prove provenance of collectable pistols like yours.

Your approach to the pictures was correct. Indirect (shaded) natural lighting outdoors without using a flash. But try to get sharper better lit exposures, and include closeups of the markings. Your full serial number is on the front of the frame above the trigger guard, and includes the suffix letter.

It's a bit difficult to judge the finish and condition of your pistol because of lighting and the camera's pickup characteristice (was this a cellphone camera?).

While generally the inside of the trigger plate is the first two digits of the serial number plus one, during this year the number matched the first two digits of the serial number.

You can dry the oil off the pistol with a soft absorbent cloth and let us get a better look at it. If it's original finish and a very high condition (97% +) is is likely worth closer to $1800+. My guess is that the rounded surfaces Doug mentioned are due to camera focus problems or camera shake. Use a tripod, and the closeup setting of a good digital camera. The self timer eliminates camera shake.

Don't be too worried about removing oxidation unless it's active red rust. As Doug mentioned, careful use of oiled "0000" steel or bronze wool can remove that. Go gently and slowly. It is normal to see a small amount of red oxidation deep in the finish of an older pistol, and it is, in fact, one thing you look for in judging the age of the finish.

Your Luger was originally hot salt blued at the factory. Resist any temptation to "improve" imperfections. The un-altered original finish (as worn through use) is the most highly valued, and historically correct.