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04-26-2002, 04:24 PM

I mostly agree with Orv. I thought that there was a distinct difference between the East German police (VOPO) and the East German Army...at any rate both used the Luger to some degree, esp. in the early years.

There is a difference in the "Russian Captures" and the ones from the East German "forces"...technically they were all captured by the Russians....because the won the war and redistributed the weapons to their satellite "friends".

I believe that the true Russian re-work capture P.38s and Lugers (as well as the 98k's and their weapons of WWII like the Svt40's etc...) were reconditioned between about 1946 and 1955 or so. I do not believe that the so-called dip blue re-works had anything to do with making them more attractive of import in the 1990's...I could write a fair size article to support this opinion...but I will spare everyone.

Your WWI vintage Luger was no used in WWII and captured or surrendered and put back into service with the East German Forces...at least an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 WWI era Lugers saw continued service (or at least many of these were held in reserve storage) for the period of 1919-1945. Every 1911 45 cal. I saw and used in the Army was at least 40 years old...the Germans were doing fine to only have to use some 20-25 year old Lugers in WWII.

The folks may be right about the reduced value of the VOPO Lugers but I could surprise many of you with some of my 30 year old Luger price list from the two largest dealers in the US and show you that VOPO Lugers brought more than "regular" Lugers in those days.

Also I believe Buxton even suggested adding about 10% to the value of P.38's bearing East German marks and re-work signs back in the early and mid-70's!

Funny how attitudes and perspectives change!

04-26-2002, 04:24 PM	#3
BCC Guest Posts: n/a	Re: VOPO guns I mostly agree with Orv. I thought that there was a distinct difference between the East German police (VOPO) and the East German Army...at any rate both used the Luger to some degree, esp. in the early years. There is a difference in the "Russian Captures" and the ones from the East German "forces"...technically they were all captured by the Russians....because the won the war and redistributed the weapons to their satellite "friends". I believe that the true Russian re-work capture P.38s and Lugers (as well as the 98k's and their weapons of WWII like the Svt40's etc...) were reconditioned between about 1946 and 1955 or so. I do not believe that the so-called dip blue re-works had anything to do with making them more attractive of import in the 1990's...I could write a fair size article to support this opinion...but I will spare everyone. Your WWI vintage Luger was no used in WWII and captured or surrendered and put back into service with the East German Forces...at least an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 WWI era Lugers saw continued service (or at least many of these were held in reserve storage) for the period of 1919-1945. Every 1911 45 cal. I saw and used in the Army was at least 40 years old...the Germans were doing fine to only have to use some 20-25 year old Lugers in WWII. The folks may be right about the reduced value of the VOPO Lugers but I could surprise many of you with some of my 30 year old Luger price list from the two largest dealers in the US and show you that VOPO Lugers brought more than "regular" Lugers in those days. Also I believe Buxton even suggested adding about 10% to the value of P.38's bearing East German marks and re-work signs back in the early and mid-70's! Funny how attitudes and perspectives change!