I agree with Dave [ithacaartist] that no one is accusing you of 'wool pulling'. There is an old saying "Buy the gun, not the story". We've all heard stories, from our fathers, uncles, granddads, friend's fathers, etc. All Lugers were carried by officers, it was captured/taken during battle such-and-such. Usually not so much. Our loved ones put the best spin on what may have been a poker winning, or a trade for food or cigarettes, or taken from a pile of turn-ins after the peace. Or, like my Godfathers bringbacks, taken from the assembly line when the factory was liberated. Sounds much better if it was surrendered after a bitter fight.
It is a sad fact that as the WW II veterans die off, old trunks in attics are being opened after 80 years and unknown treasures being discovered. It's always a delight to investigate these items, try to place the veteran with the item at the location where he obtained it. Minute clues can help pin down the where/why/how/when.
On the other hand, there are unscrupulous scoundrels who come here and ask for something to be looked at and discussed, which item then finds its way onto eBay/Gunbroker.com, ArmsAmerica etc and is described as 'authenticated' and the discussion on this forum cited as proof...
The East German post-war barrels show up fairly often, they are at least as well made as the Third Reich barrels, and for the most part, unused. If I were looking for a new 4" 9mm barrel, I would look for one of them.
Armorers replacement barrels, which I would suspect yours are, are another good choice for a replacement. Quality can vary, but they're still a sought-after item.
I've never considered captured enemy artifacts having any sentimental value. Being given a father's 45 auto that he carried, yes. Some Luger he found in a ditch/won in a card game/was handed by some German soldier, no.
As I said earlier, I've seen them listed for as much as $200. You pays you money and you takes you chances.
