[Dok]

Welcome to the Luger Forum Fred,


This is an appropriate place to get an unbiased opinion on the value of your six Lugers. There are many collecters and a dealer who are members of this site, and will give you a fair appraisal of your weapons.


However, much of the value of a weapon is tied up in three areas; the variation, the stamps and the condition. Without this knowledge, no-one can make any meaningful assessment for you.


In our Technical Information section, you will find two versions of Indentification Sheets. Print off one or both of these, and supply the suggested information on each weapon.


Also in the Technical Information section there is a listing of most of the stamps that will be found on the Lugers. These are "acceptance" stamps, and will tell a lot about the weapon. Stamps are generally found on the right side of the receiver (immediately behind the barrel), on the left side in the same position (depending on variation), and under or on the side of the barrel. Occasionally, stamps are found in other places, but these are the norm. Make careful note of ALL stamps and where they appear, even if they are not listed in our examples.


Make a note of the serial number (as you have done) which appears on the front of the frame beneath the barrell, and should have a small cursive letter under it. This letter is as important as the number, so if it exists (and it may not) be sure to note it. The serial number may also appear under the barrel and on the left side receiver, and the last two digits should appear on all small parts. Make note where the two numbers DO NOT match.


The magazines may or may not have matching serial numbers, both are correct, although matching magazines definitely increase your value if the magazine is the correct one for the weapon. Note the bottoms, are they wood, plastic or aluminum.


Does the weapon have some small parts which appear not to be blued, noteably the trigger, the safety lever (left-side rear), and the take-down lever (left side front). This is known as "strawing" and was common in many Lugers up the WWII. Make note of it and what condition the strawing and the bluing is in, expressed as a percentage.


Lastly, the condition and material of the grips, wood or synthetic material.


Armed with this information, we can provide a fairly honest and resonably accurate assessment of the value of your collection. If you can provide digital pictures, so much the better. Congratulations on receiving this very fine collection, it sounds like you've got quite a special group of Lugers. We wait with baited breath, to hear more.


Dok (WebMaster)