What is my luger worth and what is it?

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 10:14 AM

Sorry to be a complete novice as to particulars. I have a luger that I got from my dad from WWII. It does not have an elaborate crest or anything on top. It merely says 1940.

I have attached photos.

Any help on identifying it and placing a reasonable value would be appreciated.

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 10:15 AM

I forgot to add that all numbers match.

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 10:16 AM

Oops. Make that all numbers on the pistol. Magazines do not match.

mrerick · 10-11-2012, 10:47 AM

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

You need sharper pictures of the markings. Try taking your photos using a tripod; natural shaded light outdoors and the camera's self timer (to eliminate camera shake).

Clearly show the bases of the magazines, their profiles and other markings and the leading (left) edge, the strap and buckle, and back markings on the holster and loading tool.

Is the serial number "239c"?

The 1940 code "42" Luger you have was manufactured by Mauser in Oberndorf building "D" in 1940.

Look at the inside of the trigger plate. What number is stamped there?

Your Luger looks to be in original finish, and (if all matching) is probably worth $1700 + depending on condition of the finish. If the two magazines are matching add another 35%. If the holster is correct add $225 and if the tool is correct add $85. Insurance values would be higher. Look at a retail dealer (like Simpson's Ltd, checkpointcharlies.com or FGSFirearms) to get an idea of what they sell them for at retail.

The finish on the holster looks unusually shiny in your photos. Don't keep your Luger stored inside the holster. The tanning chemicals can damage the metal finish.

Marc

sheepherder · 10-11-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

The 1940 code "42" Luger you have was manufactured by Mauser in Oberndorf building "D" in 1940.

And it has the distinctive Mauser 'hump'...

Marc, what was being made in buildings A, B, and C???

mrerick · 10-11-2012, 11:08 AM

The other buildings in that complex included the lines for the K98 rifle. I'd have to check, but probably also other firearms they produced. "D" survived the war and French occupation. I stood in the building earlier this year with Mauro, Gerben and Gerd.

Marc

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 11:14 AM

Marc,

Thanks for the info so far! I will retake the markings photos as you suggest.

When you say the tool is correct, what does that mean?

As far as the holster goes, I'm afraid my dad let a leather smith friend of his 'recondition' it. Restitched, dyed and polished.

Alan

mrerick · 10-11-2012, 11:20 AM

Yes - the stitching didn't look right to me, but I couldn't be sure from your photos. Still, if it is period correct it is part of the overall "rig" you have.

The original tools have unique appearance and markings. Members here can help you verify that it is original and properly marked.

Luger collectors value un-altered pistols and accessories that are as close to their condition upon leaving the factory as possible. Any alterations, unusual wear, parts replacement or re-finishing reduce their historic and financial value.

Marc

Edward Tinker · 10-11-2012, 01:14 PM

Nice full rig,, I like it.

Do you have any info on how your dad acquired it?

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 03:03 PM

Edward,

Unfortunately, I don't know. He told me that it was taken off a German prisoner, but whether by him or someone else is anybody's guess.

Wish I knew......

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 04:54 PM

I have attached some more photos. I tried to look up the 'trigger plate' to see which piece it is, but could not find it. I believe that the serial number is 239C. The letter below 239 on the body just below where the barrel is inserted looks most like a C. The photos should clear that up. The tool has what appears to be a small eagle and 655 on it, so I guess it's original. As for that, as far as I know, this weapon, holster and tool are exactly as dad got them (except for the leather work, of course).
Thanks very much for all the help so far.
Alan

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 04:55 PM

One more.

mrerick · 10-11-2012, 05:11 PM

Hi,
The trigger plate is the plate on the left side of the receiver (removable) that has a lever connecting the trigger to the sear and it's plunger. It's exterior is plainly visible in the second new picture you posted. You should find the number "3" stamped inside it.

It looks like your pistol is missing the small take down lever retention spring. Don't shoot it without installing one. As you Luger looks collectable, it's not a good idea to shoot it anyway!

You can find disassembly instructions on this site.

Marc

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 05:40 PM

It does have the number 3 in it. I also included a couple of magazine photos.

I have not fired this weapon in decades and don't intend to again.

Alan

mrerick · 10-11-2012, 05:45 PM

Alan, I think you have a real treasure there. Looks all matching and complete. I also think that the magazines and tool are correct, but am not an expert on the tools.

Marc

alan7114p · 10-11-2012, 05:49 PM

Thanks, Marc. Are these 'matching magazines'? I thought the serial numbers had to match those on the pistol.

Edward Tinker · 10-11-2012, 06:35 PM

The magazines are of the period, but not matching

mrerick · 10-11-2012, 07:09 PM

Alan, sorry I wasn't clear. All the parts of the pistol appear to be matching. You do need to check the internal parts that are numbered and carefully remove and check the markings on the grips. Particularly avoid breaking the left grip near the safety lever if you remove them.

As Ed mentions, your magazines are not matching to the pistol, but are period correct.

It is more uncommon to find a matching magazine with an all matching (otherwise) pistol. That is why one with matching magazines is worth more.

Marc

SteveM · 10-11-2012, 07:31 PM

Remove the right grip first, you may be able to see the markings on the left through the frame.

alan7114p · 10-13-2012, 04:35 PM

Good news and bad. I disassembled the pistol and found that all internal markings, including grips, match. The bad news is that I cannot get it back together! The big stumbling block has been the ejector. I had a difficult time getting it out and cannot get it back in. It's most of the way home but the rear-most, round peg will not seat into the frame.

I tried looking up suggestions on how to get this weapon back together, but was unsuccessful. Please point me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Alan

10-11-2012, 10:14 AM	#1
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What is my luger worth and what is it? Sorry to be a complete novice as to particulars. I have a luger that I got from my dad from WWII. It does not have an elaborate crest or anything on top. It merely says 1940. I have attached photos. Any help on identifying it and placing a reasonable value would be appreciated. Attached Thumbnails

10-11-2012, 10:47 AM	#4
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,907 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,108 Times in 1,509 Posts	Hi, and welcome to the forum. You need sharper pictures of the markings. Try taking your photos using a tripod; natural shaded light outdoors and the camera's self timer (to eliminate camera shake). Clearly show the bases of the magazines, their profiles and other markings and the leading (left) edge, the strap and buckle, and back markings on the holster and loading tool. Is the serial number "239c"? The 1940 code "42" Luger you have was manufactured by Mauser in Oberndorf building "D" in 1940. Look at the inside of the trigger plate. What number is stamped there? Your Luger looks to be in original finish, and (if all matching) is probably worth $1700 + depending on condition of the finish. If the two magazines are matching add another 35%. If the holster is correct add $225 and if the tool is correct add $85. Insurance values would be higher. Look at a retail dealer (like Simpson's Ltd, checkpointcharlies.com or FGSFirearms) to get an idea of what they sell them for at retail. The finish on the holster looks unusually shiny in your photos. Don't keep your Luger stored inside the holster. The tanning chemicals can damage the metal finish. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-11-2012, 11:08 AM	#6
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,907 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,108 Times in 1,509 Posts	The other buildings in that complex included the lines for the K98 rifle. I'd have to check, but probably also other firearms they produced. "D" survived the war and French occupation. I stood in the building earlier this year with Mauro, Gerben and Gerd. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-11-2012, 11:20 AM	#8
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,907 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,108 Times in 1,509 Posts	Yes - the stitching didn't look right to me, but I couldn't be sure from your photos. Still, if it is period correct it is part of the overall "rig" you have. The original tools have unique appearance and markings. Members here can help you verify that it is original and properly marked. Luger collectors value un-altered pistols and accessories that are as close to their condition upon leaving the factory as possible. Any alterations, unusual wear, parts replacement or re-finishing reduce their historic and financial value. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-11-2012, 01:14 PM	#9
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,926 Thanks: 2,014 Thanked 4,523 Times in 2,089 Posts	Nice full rig,, I like it. Do you have any info on how your dad acquired it? __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

10-11-2012, 10:15 AM	#2
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I forgot to add that all numbers match.

10-11-2012, 10:16 AM	#3
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Oops. Make that all numbers on the pistol. Magazines do not match.

10-11-2012, 11:14 AM	#7
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Marc, Thanks for the info so far! I will retake the markings photos as you suggest. When you say the tool is correct, what does that mean? As far as the holster goes, I'm afraid my dad let a leather smith friend of his 'recondition' it. Restitched, dyed and polished. Alan

10-11-2012, 03:03 PM	#10
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Edward, Unfortunately, I don't know. He told me that it was taken off a German prisoner, but whether by him or someone else is anybody's guess. Wish I knew......

10-11-2012, 04:54 PM	#11
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have attached some more photos. I tried to look up the 'trigger plate' to see which piece it is, but could not find it. I believe that the serial number is 239C. The letter below 239 on the body just below where the barrel is inserted looks most like a C. The photos should clear that up. The tool has what appears to be a small eagle and 655 on it, so I guess it's original. As for that, as far as I know, this weapon, holster and tool are exactly as dad got them (except for the leather work, of course). Thanks very much for all the help so far. Alan Attached Thumbnails

10-11-2012, 04:55 PM	#12
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	One more. Attached Thumbnails

10-11-2012, 05:11 PM	#13
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,907 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,108 Times in 1,509 Posts	Hi, The trigger plate is the plate on the left side of the receiver (removable) that has a lever connecting the trigger to the sear and it's plunger. It's exterior is plainly visible in the second new picture you posted. You should find the number "3" stamped inside it. It looks like your pistol is missing the small take down lever retention spring. Don't shoot it without installing one. As you Luger looks collectable, it's not a good idea to shoot it anyway! You can find disassembly instructions on this site. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-11-2012, 05:40 PM	#14
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	It does have the number 3 in it. I also included a couple of magazine photos. I have not fired this weapon in decades and don't intend to again. Alan Attached Thumbnails

10-11-2012, 05:45 PM	#15
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,907 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,108 Times in 1,509 Posts	Alan, I think you have a real treasure there. Looks all matching and complete. I also think that the magazines and tool are correct, but am not an expert on the tools. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-11-2012, 05:49 PM	#16
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks, Marc. Are these 'matching magazines'? I thought the serial numbers had to match those on the pistol.

10-11-2012, 06:35 PM	#17
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,926 Thanks: 2,014 Thanked 4,523 Times in 2,089 Posts	The magazines are of the period, but not matching __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

10-11-2012, 07:09 PM	#18
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,907 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,108 Times in 1,509 Posts	Alan, sorry I wasn't clear. All the parts of the pistol appear to be matching. You do need to check the internal parts that are numbered and carefully remove and check the markings on the grips. Particularly avoid breaking the left grip near the safety lever if you remove them. As Ed mentions, your magazines are not matching to the pistol, but are period correct. It is more uncommon to find a matching magazine with an all matching (otherwise) pistol. That is why one with matching magazines is worth more. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-11-2012, 07:31 PM	#19
SteveM User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,016 Thanks: 94 Thanked 275 Times in 137 Posts	Remove the right grip first, you may be able to see the markings on the left through the frame.

10-13-2012, 04:35 PM	#20
alan7114p User Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Good news and bad. I disassembled the pistol and found that all internal markings, including grips, match. The bad news is that I cannot get it back together! The big stumbling block has been the ejector. I had a difficult time getting it out and cannot get it back in. It's most of the way home but the rear-most, round peg will not seat into the frame. I tried looking up suggestions on how to get this weapon back together, but was unsuccessful. Please point me in the right direction. Thanks, Alan Attached Thumbnails