Art Buchanan

During my 40+ years of collecting Lugers I have observed that most if not all written material on the subject seems to be directed toward the high income guys. If ones collection isn't all matching, near mint and taken from a German officer--It really don't count for much. I strongly disagree with this position. In 40 years of following the trade papers and major dealer lists, I observe Many thousands of Lugers have been purchased that are lesser grade Lugers. These seem to be of little interest to the more affluent collectors and dealers except to profit from their sale. My collection consists of 90+ Lugers--maybe 6 near mints, many 90% and several less %. Some of the more rare[a 1906 Bulgarian] are only 80% and not all match. In order to afford all choice condition pieces I would have to sell more than half the collection.


My point is that the little guy who likes his Lugers and has a selection of dates,models,etc that may even be import marked and non-match, counts too. Why is it that the so called shooter grade Luger can't be collectable?


Down through the years I have many times been reluctant to discuss my collection with the big collectors because mine are not all choice condition pieces.


I suggest that we make all Luger Lovers feel welcome to the Luger collecting fraternity. The little guys count too! Anyone agree or am I dead in the water?