I found a 2011 "Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Value" in Barnes & Nobles. It interested me because one of the editors was Joe S. Probably C96 value data in that book came from him. There are a few other editors listed that I don't know, most likely experts in other domains.
He quoted Persian in "Exc" condition $2750. Since there is also a few reference photographs of sample C96 at the beginning of the book showing the definition of "Exc", "Very Good", "Good" and "Fair". My understanding his defintion of "Exc" roughly translates into 95%
Geez!! Persian in 95% only has $2750 book value. The one like I bought can be rated as "Very Good", then, it's a $2000 gun, and I paid what,,,, paid over $5000 on it. Should I laugh or should I cry?
Curiously, I looked back a few pages, into "L" section, what's the value of K date Luger..... Oh oh, who offered this data? K date Luger in "Exc" is $1500 in the book. Lord, feel much better
most likely I am not alone paying "2.5 x book"
If I say they rated everything low, that's also not true. The 1902 Fat barrel was rated pretty high. "Exc" $9500, and "Very Good" $7500. No wonder usgunexchange.com refused to sell you his instance at $6500