Most reputable place to buy a Krieghoff?

Hodds · 07-10-2013, 11:51 PM

Hi all, new to Luger collecting. I have been collecting 1911s for years and want to start collecting Lugers. I have chosen to collect Krieghoffs. I know they are expensive, but when I collect I believe in buying the best, most desireable and rare items. They always seem to be the items that appreciate in value the most. I have already bought the Gibson book and have read thru it. That Being said, I am very hesitant to just lay out a lot of money and roll the dice. I know even seasoned Luger collectors get burned by fake guns. So I am asking who is the most honest, trustworthy dealer out there?? I know I will pay a premium, but I am ok with that if I can be assured of getting the real deal. So I would love to hear your recommendations.
Thanks in advance!
Ken

alanint · 07-11-2013, 06:23 AM

Look a few posts below. Michael Zeleny is selling a few of his Kreighoffs off. You can be sure these are legitimate and collector pieces.

alvin · 07-11-2013, 08:08 AM

Here is the one mentioned by alanint.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=352606163

If you contact the member, he may sell it a little bit lower to you privately. At least, the saved fee can be transferred to your saving (?) Just a possibility.

Hodds · 07-11-2013, 08:44 AM

Thanks guys. I have actually already contacted Michael yesterday. The 1936 does look beautiful. The only concern I had was the 2 digit stamp on the side plate. From my limited knowledge I did not think the side plates were stamped. Other than that I like the gun. Can anyone here help me out with that issue? Again any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

alvin · 07-11-2013, 09:39 AM

I believe the numbering on side plate is a variable. At least, those "S" dated Krieghoffs (1936) listing on Simpson LTD have explicit numbers on side plates. Regarding numbering style, font, etc, those detail must consult Krieghoff domain experts. I don't know.

cirelaw · 07-11-2013, 10:30 AM

Your Krieghoff is listed in Tom Whiteman's data base, #7313 "9mm 1936 '97% all matching and original'~~~Eric

Edward Tinker · 07-11-2013, 10:34 AM

I really think if you are going to get into Krieghoff's, you should study them for a couple of years.

My experience has shown that 'folks' with money and want the best, usually end up with several very nice and a few questionable. Even well known collectors.

asking for the 'best' dealers around is like asking for the percentage of bluing on a gun, it depends on who you ask.

Michael Zeleny · 07-12-2013, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvin

I believe the numbering on side plate is a variable. At least, those "S" dated Krieghoffs (1936) listing on Simpson LTD have explicit numbers on side plates. Regarding numbering style, font, etc, those detail must consult Krieghoff domain experts. I don't know.

Gibson shows an externally numbered sideplate on an S code HK Luger #638 on p. 153 and a 36 code #4080 on p. 163. The external sideplate numbering pattern in the early numbering style is documented on pp. 102-103. As the book says, the external numbering style "is found sporadically into the higher [i.e. above #2500] segment of the [military numbering] range". In keeping with this observation, my pistol #7313 is accounted for in the lists on pp. 71 and 73, confirming its status as correct and original specimen.

Michael Zeleny · 07-12-2013, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanint

Look a few posts below. Michael Zeleny is selling a few of his Kreighoffs off. You can be sure these are legitimate and collector pieces.

Thanks for your kind words, Doug. I'm keeping the S codes for now. The 1936 is still available. Bob Simpson thought that it was worth $10K, whence my price, reflecting a 27% discount from retail.

Lugerdoc · 07-12-2013, 09:15 AM

Hodda, I know nothing of the 1936 KH that you are considering, but purchasing a multi thousand $ luger as your first one, is probably not a good idea. You might consider first, a mismatch shooter that you can use and abuse, to learn more about the feel and function of the luger. Eventually, you may even run into a bargain on a KH, if you know more about them, than the potential seller. Th

Hodds · 07-12-2013, 10:09 AM

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your insight in this matter. It does seem that the smart move would be to study some more and be patient. I am going to continue to look but unless I feel 100% certain I am getting a great deal, i will take my time. I am excited to get started but think I will take a step back and get all the necessary info. Im sure I will be asking plenty of questions on this forum.
Thanks again for all the help!
Ken

Ben M. · 07-12-2013, 12:10 PM

this shop seems to have many hk lugers in their inventory.
http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?...dd56f9e85ffb27

Hodds · 07-12-2013, 02:48 PM

Yes. I have been on Simpsons site. They have some very nice HKs and I have heard good things about them too!

spartacus38 · 02-16-2014, 05:01 PM

Hi Ken,
Be very careful.
Bob

George Anderson · 02-16-2014, 05:23 PM

Ken, I have four which I am selling; two S codes serial numbers 39 & 439, a 1937 serial number 9812 and a P code serial number P21408.

Michael Zeleny · 02-16-2014, 05:25 PM

I have an S code to spare, $6,500.00 shipped to members of this forum:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/+...52873625272913

Ben M. · 02-16-2014, 08:51 PM

buy the book too.

spartacus38 · 02-16-2014, 10:12 PM

Bob Simpson will authenticate your purchase for a modest sum.
I would make your purchase conditional upon his approval.
Otherwise you could make a $8000 purchase and end up with a $3000 gun.
Bob

Ben M. · 02-17-2014, 04:20 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luger-Book-K...-/310839341183

07-10-2013, 11:51 PM	#1
Hodds User Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Most reputable place to buy a Krieghoff? Hi all, new to Luger collecting. I have been collecting 1911s for years and want to start collecting Lugers. I have chosen to collect Krieghoffs. I know they are expensive, but when I collect I believe in buying the best, most desireable and rare items. They always seem to be the items that appreciate in value the most. I have already bought the Gibson book and have read thru it. That Being said, I am very hesitant to just lay out a lot of money and roll the dice. I know even seasoned Luger collectors get burned by fake guns. So I am asking who is the most honest, trustworthy dealer out there?? I know I will pay a premium, but I am ok with that if I can be assured of getting the real deal. So I would love to hear your recommendations. Thanks in advance! Ken

07-12-2013, 09:15 AM	#10
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Hodda, I know nothing of the 1936 KH that you are considering, but purchasing a multi thousand $ luger as your first one, is probably not a good idea. You might consider first, a mismatch shooter that you can use and abuse, to learn more about the feel and function of the luger. Eventually, you may even run into a bargain on a KH, if you know more about them, than the potential seller. Th __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

02-16-2014, 05:23 PM	#15
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,529 Times in 787 Posts	Ken, I have four which I am selling; two S codes serial numbers 39 & 439, a 1937 serial number 9812 and a P code serial number P21408. Last edited by George Anderson; 02-16-2014 at 10:20 PM.

02-16-2014, 05:25 PM	#16
Michael Zeleny Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 525 Thanks: 129 Thanked 139 Times in 76 Posts	I have an S code to spare, $6,500.00 shipped to members of this forum: https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/+...52873625272913 __________________ Michael Zeleny@post.harvard.edu -- http://larvatus.livejournal.com/ -- 7576 Willow Glen Road, Los Angeles, CA 90046 -- 323.363.1860 All of old. Nothing else ever. Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett

07-11-2013, 06:23 AM	#2
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	Look a few posts below. Michael Zeleny is selling a few of his Kreighoffs off. You can be sure these are legitimate and collector pieces.

07-11-2013, 08:08 AM	#3
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	Here is the one mentioned by alanint. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=352606163 If you contact the member, he may sell it a little bit lower to you privately. At least, the saved fee can be transferred to your saving (?) Just a possibility.

07-11-2013, 08:44 AM	#4
Hodds User Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks guys. I have actually already contacted Michael yesterday. The 1936 does look beautiful. The only concern I had was the 2 digit stamp on the side plate. From my limited knowledge I did not think the side plates were stamped. Other than that I like the gun. Can anyone here help me out with that issue? Again any help would be appreciated. Thanks

07-11-2013, 09:39 AM	#5
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	I believe the numbering on side plate is a variable. At least, those "S" dated Krieghoffs (1936) listing on Simpson LTD have explicit numbers on side plates. Regarding numbering style, font, etc, those detail must consult Krieghoff domain experts. I don't know.

07-11-2013, 10:30 AM	#6
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Your Krieghoff is listed in Tom Whiteman's data base, #7313 "9mm 1936 '97% all matching and original'~~~Eric

07-11-2013, 10:34 AM	#7
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,932 Thanks: 2,032 Thanked 4,528 Times in 2,091 Posts	I really think if you are going to get into Krieghoff's, you should study them for a couple of *years. My experience has shown that 'folks' with money and want the best, usually end up with several very nice and a few questionable. Even well known collectors. asking for the 'best' dealers around is like asking for the percentage of bluing on a gun, it depends on who you ask. __________________ 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

07-12-2013, 10:09 AM	#11
Hodds User Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks guys. I really appreciate your insight in this matter. It does seem that the smart move would be to study some more and be patient. I am going to continue to look but unless I feel 100% certain I am getting a great deal, i will take my time. I am excited to get started but think I will take a step back and get all the necessary info. Im sure I will be asking plenty of questions on this forum. Thanks again for all the help! Ken

07-12-2013, 12:10 PM	#12
Ben M. User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Retired to Naples, FL. Posts: 488 Thanks: 90 Thanked 123 Times in 83 Posts	this shop seems to have many hk lugers in their inventory. http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?...dd56f9e85ffb27

07-12-2013, 02:48 PM	#13
Hodds User Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Yes. I have been on Simpsons site. They have some very nice HKs and I have heard good things about them too!

02-16-2014, 05:01 PM	#14
spartacus38 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South Lake Tahoe,CA. Posts: 695 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 56 Posts	Hi Ken, Be very careful. Bob

02-16-2014, 08:51 PM	#17
Ben M. User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Retired to Naples, FL. Posts: 488 Thanks: 90 Thanked 123 Times in 83 Posts	buy the book too.

02-16-2014, 10:12 PM	#18
spartacus38 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South Lake Tahoe,CA. Posts: 695 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 56 Posts	Bob Simpson will authenticate your purchase for a modest sum. I would make your purchase conditional upon his approval. Otherwise you could make a $8000 purchase and end up with a $3000 gun. Bob

02-17-2014, 04:20 PM	#19
Ben M. User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Retired to Naples, FL. Posts: 488 Thanks: 90 Thanked 123 Times in 83 Posts	http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luger-Book-K...-/310839341183