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Malcolm P. · 10-25-2004, 04:40 AM

I am a newbie and may be speaking out of turn, but what strikes me is that this is a gun issued out in 1916 in the middle of a war that is not going particularily good. It should have seen some action in some capacity at some point. I don't see any holster wear or other signs of rust or wear on the gun. Even an otherwise mint condition Luger that is a "warhorse" should, in my opinion, show some holster wear or other signs of use. If it were a 1917, I would think OK, issued but never really used. A 1916, on the other hand, should have some signs of use. From what I have seen, even a mint condition "warhorse" Luger shows SOME holster wear.

To me, it is just too "minty." If we were talking military Colt Armys (wether SAA or 1911), it is too perfect, in my view, to have actually been a military issued gun. Given the state of the Imperial Navy and the war in 1916 and the most likely history of the gun since, I find it hard to accept that the gun is not refinished. I have one bought that is a partial restoration that is not in that good of shape, and I simply find it difficult to believe that this one is in that good of shape. Couple all that with a 30% restocking fee, well...if the seller were that confident in the providence of the gun, why have a 30% restocking fee?

All this may be unfair to the seller and the gun may be 100% legitimate. However, he has brought suspicion upon himself. As noted, he makes it sound like he is doing you favor to sell it and if you are not happy with it, pony up over $1000 just to look at it. If that does not indicate that the gun has problems, I am not sure what else can.

I guess when all is said and done, if you are selling something online like a Navy Luger in that good of shape, $4200 is likely a bargain. Offer it with a 3-day inspection and don't play games with a restocking fee. If you are not doing that, then any potential buyer is entitled to ask the all important question of "what gives?" In other words, stand by what you are offering if it is that good and don't play games.

10-25-2004, 04:40 AM	#12
Malcolm P. User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I am a newbie and may be speaking out of turn, but what strikes me is that this is a gun issued out in 1916 in the middle of a war that is not going particularily good. It should have seen some action in some capacity at some point. I don't see any holster wear or other signs of rust or wear on the gun. Even an otherwise mint condition Luger that is a "warhorse" should, in my opinion, show some holster wear or other signs of use. If it were a 1917, I would think OK, issued but never really used. A 1916, on the other hand, should have some signs of use. From what I have seen, even a mint condition "warhorse" Luger shows SOME holster wear. To me, it is just too "minty." If we were talking military Colt Armys (wether SAA or 1911), it is too perfect, in my view, to have actually been a military issued gun. Given the state of the Imperial Navy and the war in 1916 and the most likely history of the gun since, I find it hard to accept that the gun is not refinished. I have one bought that is a partial restoration that is not in that good of shape, and I simply find it difficult to believe that this one is in that good of shape. Couple all that with a 30% restocking fee, well...if the seller were that confident in the providence of the gun, why have a 30% restocking fee? All this may be unfair to the seller and the gun may be 100% legitimate. However, he has brought suspicion upon himself. As noted, he makes it sound like he is doing you favor to sell it and if you are not happy with it, pony up over $1000 just to look at it. If that does not indicate that the gun has problems, I am not sure what else can. I guess when all is said and done, if you are selling something online like a Navy Luger in that good of shape, $4200 is likely a bargain. Offer it with a 3-day inspection and don't play games with a restocking fee. If you are not doing that, then any potential buyer is entitled to ask the all important question of "what gives?" In other words, stand by what you are offering if it is that good and don't play games.