Once I had a chance to buy a Russian Luger from a reliable dealer for $8000. But the gun was restored so I backed off. Its really tough to have a real expert go over a really RARE Luger because experts who really know the guns are so rare themselves. Another problem is that when I try to sell one of those rare lugers. It is hard to find someone who understands that a rare Luger will be pricey. There are experts out there but they are scattered all over the USA. Hard to find when you need them.
drbuster,
you are right about Lugerflation. I recently saw a sale on the internet where there were some very nice model 1914 navies for sale. They were generally priced at $3500+. One went for $4200 and I was shocked. The guys current sale has model 1914 navies priced at $5000. GAG!!! Now these navies are nice and have matching mags. But...$5000?
Your comment about Walters book is also right on the money. When I am relaxed with an adult beverage at hand and my shoes off, I frequently read that book. Hard to figure out at first, but loaded with useful information. Right up there with Jan Stills books (maybe a tad higher in my humble and frequently challenged opinion).
George Arnderson,
I have only gone to the Chantilly show once. The one that I met you at. But if you are talking about the same guy that I am thinking of... I absolutely, 100%, hands down, dead nuts agree with you. If the other dealer that you described is also the one that I am thinking about then I also agree with you, even though I like him and once even bought a gun off of him. But if I was using Tom A's money, then I might have a bit more courage.
To all,
if we are talking about the same "Mel" that I think has been touched on in other discussions on this forum, then who made him an expert? He had lotsa money because of his great talent. But there are lotsa people out there who have a bunch of money that I wouldn't buy ANYTHING off off. Celebreties are known for their talent and not necessarily for their intelligence.
But this Russian Luger does look pretty good in the limited pictures. I sent an email to the seller requesting more close-up pictures, but I still haven't received a reply.
Big Norm
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