This pistol is too nice to be "left behind". Either it was stolen, and "stashed" on that shelf (in which case it will be in PD database), or the previous occupants of the house misplaced it in the move, and reported it stolen (in the move) at that time. In either case, this pistol is "hot", and it should be treated as such (there are ways of "running" the serial number without actually surrendering it to the police).
Doug's suggestion is the best........first, contact the previous owners of the house, and ask them if they are missing a FIREARM (or a weapon). IF they say they are missing an old Luger, do what's right. If they say no (or can't say what exactly they are missing), "run" the serial to be sure it's clean, and then it's finders/keepers. DO NOT attempt to sell it "as found", or you (or your "friend") might be in some hot water in the close future.
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