[Marvin]

Johnny,


I sure agree with you that the "True" grading for Lugers is not on the conservative side. When I am looking for a Luger and it is advertised at 98% I assume that it will be a good 96%. I see very few true 98% pistols now and when they are in that condition, the price is high. You do get lucky sometimes, but that is not the usual case. Most of the dealers really stretch the percent condition to the limit, so I look at the advertised condition, assume it will be a few points lower and see if that price is comparable before making the buy. This way, I am not to dissapointed that it is not the 98% advertised.


This is my person feeling, in that I want a little blue wear, but not much. I try to keep my collection in the 95-96% true condition range. I also have made some good buys in the past years with some 98% pistols and I love them, but how much have they been used compared to having been in a drawer most of their life. One pistol I bought several years ago was a common 1938 Luger in 99% condition for $900 with matching magazine. I felt I paid top dollar at the time, but now, it is worth more that that on the retail market. Buy the best you can afford, but never be ashamed of a 90% Luger either. I also have a 1936 which is maybe 60% and the blue is turning brownish. I don't know for sure, but I feel this Luger has seen a lot of combat in it's life so there is maybe a great unknown history to this pistol and I never plan to get rid of this one. All Lugers have a history and they should all be treated accordingly.


Marvin