The "Red Nine" grips are real collector grips. They were originally put on early commercial lugers during the transition from 30 cal to the now famous 9mm. Over time, they were moved from one type of Luger to another by individuals because they simply looked cool. There is some indication that they may have been put on Weimar Era commercial Lugers to differential 30 cal from 9mm during that period. But they are still collectible and desirable.
Artillery Lugers will go from $500 to $2000 depending on a number of factors. The year of the chamber top (in your case 1917), condition (very much like coin collecting) and matching serial numbers on all parts including magazines and grips.
But some dates are more valuable than others. A chamber dated 1914 DWM will sell for more than a chamber dated 1917 because of scarcity. A very nice chamber dated 1914 DWM artillery could go for as much as $5500. Maybe more. Rare items are always hard to price.
Then we get into the accessories. An artillery Luger with an original stock, numbered to the Luger and an artillery holster with all the attaching leather and straps with an appropriate date and manufacturer will pull the price up much higher. Again, the condition of the holster and straps are important.
Personally, I consider an artillery Luger with all matched parts and matching stock, grips and magazine as a rig. Add an appropriate holster with all the attaching leather and straps and I call that a full rig. Add a Trommel (snail drum) magazine with a loader and I will call that ... OUTRAGEOUS!!! (Personal emphasis added.) Of course, the price will be adjusted accoringly. Homes, yachts and gold bars accepted.
Big Norm
|