Found Luger - Need Help With Identification

Don Quay · 11-26-2012, 06:41 AM

Hi all,
I found a Luger whilst clearing my deceased father in laws house and would like help with identifying it and its value. All the serial numbers I can see match, and it also has 2 matching magazines. I have looked through some other posts and think I havetaken photos from all required angles, however I had to put them into a PDF document because they were each too big to upload. Thank you for your time.

kpf · 11-26-2012, 07:30 AM

Hello Don

You have a WWI Dwm Luger p08 with two matching mags and a holster from the same period!

I think you have a great Luger here.
But some of the Luger spes in this forum will help you with value over in the U.S and more info i think

Regards from Norway

Kai

SteveM · 11-26-2012, 07:37 AM

1918 DWM manufactured, many thousands were made. The 2 matching mags are a plus as you just don't see WW1 Lugers very often with the matching magazines. Unfortunately the left grip has the chip up near the safety lever but that is not a show stopper.

The next to last pic of the Luger shows the toggle to be to the rear somewhat which tells me that it has not been reassembled correctly. The hook on the underside of the toggle was not engaged properly with the mainspring. You can find disassembly/assembly procedures on youtube.

DavidJayUden · 11-26-2012, 08:05 AM

It needs a good, proper cleaning and oiling, the holster leather looks dry, maybe "dead". But overall a very nice find. I don't see any signs of molestation, but it is assembled incorrectly with the upper assembly slightly rearwards.
Wish I could find one in my attic...
Regarding value, I will guess somewhere around $2k in today's climate. Offered to the public, I'd start a bit over, maybe $2250, and be ready to come down. But 2 matching mags. is pretty rare so lets see what the experienced collectors have to say.
Welcome aboard, AND DON'T SHOOT IT.
dju

mrerick · 11-26-2012, 03:45 PM

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

David is right on with his estimate. Take great care with it, as it is becoming more fragile and in need of some basic cleaning and lubrication. Damaging it will drop it's financial value by half, as well as it's historic value.

Marc

Don Quay · 11-29-2012, 08:43 AM

Thank you all very much for your help - its just what I needed.

alanint · 11-29-2012, 09:16 AM

Also, please don't continue to store the gun in its holster. The numerous rusts specs come from moisture leached from the leather attacking the pistol's finish.

Purchase a modern gun rug for the pistol after completely cleaning and oiling it and gently stuff the holster with rags or newspaper to keep its shape.
The spare magazine should also be stored similarly to the pistol.

LWaali · 11-29-2012, 11:18 PM

..and especially new holsters, holsters with inferior leather, or those not broken in.. they have residual tanning chemicals that will eat right through blueing or other finishes

11-26-2012, 03:45 PM	#5
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,901 Thanks: 1,372 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	Hi, and welcome to the forum. David is right on with his estimate. Take great care with it, as it is becoming more fragile and in need of some basic cleaning and lubrication. Damaging it will drop it's financial value by half, as well as it's historic value. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

11-26-2012, 07:30 AM	#2
kpf User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Finnøy, Norway Posts: 75 Thanks: 78 Thanked 36 Times in 10 Posts	Hello Don You have a WWI Dwm Luger p08 with two matching mags and a holster from the same period! I think you have a great Luger here. But some of the Luger spes in this forum will help you with value over in the U.S and more info i think Regards from Norway Kai

11-26-2012, 07:37 AM	#3
SteveM User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,016 Thanks: 94 Thanked 275 Times in 137 Posts	1918 DWM manufactured, many thousands were made. The 2 matching mags are a plus as you just don't see WW1 Lugers very often with the matching magazines. Unfortunately the left grip has the chip up near the safety lever but that is not a show stopper. The next to last pic of the Luger shows the toggle to be to the rear somewhat which tells me that it has not been reassembled correctly. The hook on the underside of the toggle was not engaged properly with the mainspring. You can find disassembly/assembly procedures on youtube.

11-26-2012, 08:05 AM	#4
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	It needs a good, proper cleaning and oiling, the holster leather looks dry, maybe "dead". But overall a very nice find. I don't see any signs of molestation, but it is assembled incorrectly with the upper assembly slightly rearwards. Wish I could find one in my attic... Regarding value, I will guess somewhere around $2k in today's climate. Offered to the public, I'd start a bit over, maybe $2250, and be ready to come down. But 2 matching mags. is pretty rare so lets see what the experienced collectors have to say. Welcome aboard, AND DON'T SHOOT IT. dju

11-29-2012, 08:43 AM	#6
Don Quay New User Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you all very much for your help - its just what I needed.

11-29-2012, 09:16 AM	#7
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	Also, please don't continue to store the gun in its holster. The numerous rusts specs come from moisture leached from the leather attacking the pistol's finish. Purchase a modern gun rug for the pistol after completely cleaning and oiling it and gently stuff the holster with rags or newspaper to keep its shape. The spare magazine should also be stored similarly to the pistol.

11-29-2012, 11:18 PM	#8
LWaali User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Washington State Posts: 99 Thanks: 67 Thanked 20 Times in 9 Posts	..and especially new holsters, holsters with inferior leather, or those not broken in.. they have residual tanning chemicals that will eat right through blueing or other finishes