Value on Family Heirloom

MisterHappy · 03-18-2013, 04:01 PM

Greetings, all.

New to your forum, though I have screen presence elsewhere. If this is posted in the wrong place, my apologies.

I have a Luger, chamber stamped 1913, four-digit serial number, DWM-marked toggle, backstrap is machined for a stock. As far as I can tell, all numbers (except mag) match.

It's with its original holster, and it exhibits some holster wear, but no "real" condition issues beyond that. I'd conservatively rate it at 80%.

What little research I've done leaves me a bit lost, so I figured that this would be the place to be?

Thoughts on value? (Yes, I know pix would help, but I can't get the resolution needed).

thanks in advance!

rhuff · 03-18-2013, 04:45 PM

I am afraid that you won't get a true value of your Luger without photos. There are just so many aspects of lugers that can raise and lower the values.....same is true for the holster.

ithacaartist · 03-18-2013, 07:08 PM

Welcome to the forum, Mike. The "stickies" at the tops of individual sections contain rundowns on helpful stuff and lots of other info. There's one about suggestions for taking and uploading photos, so check that out first to avoid our moaning and groaning about inadequate photos! Rich is of course correct, and you will soon see how great pics can save thousands of words.

David Parker

DavidJayUden · 03-18-2013, 08:59 PM

Since no one else has chimed in, I'll give my usual evaluation on Luger values.
I'm not certain if the 1913 date effects the value much, as I've not seen many.
Let's say that it is an all matching WW1 military DWM, matching except the magazine. Finish is 80% and completely original. No special markings, unit markings, and no zits or goobers (no rust spots, no unusual damage, etc.)
Basically the gun I have described I'd base around $1100-$1400, the holster maybe another $200 to $300. Add or subtract 20% to all these figures depending on how fast you want to sell it, the market in your area, etc, etc, etc.
Again these figures are WAG's based on your description and no photos.
Hope that helps you out.
dju

Edward Tinker · 03-18-2013, 09:38 PM

I moved this to the New Collector area and subscribed you to the thread.

Unsure about comment on resolution, even cheaper cameras can take good pictures w good lighting.

As said above, if dated before 1918 then it's army usually.

MisterHappy · 03-19-2013, 03:02 PM

Thanks to DJU, and Mr. Tinker.

I completely understand the difficulty of a blind "appraisal."

The "oral history" that came with it is that it was liberated shortly after D-Day, so I guessed that German Dad gave it to his son, saying, "Here, take this. I carried it when I fought the Froggies," based on the date.

03-18-2013, 04:01 PM	#1
MisterHappy New User Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Value on Family Heirloom Greetings, all. New to your forum, though I have screen presence elsewhere. If this is posted in the wrong place, my apologies. I have a Luger, chamber stamped 1913, four-digit serial number, DWM-marked toggle, backstrap is machined for a stock. As far as I can tell, all numbers (except mag) match. It's with its original holster, and it exhibits some holster wear, but no "real" condition issues beyond that. I'd conservatively rate it at 80%. What little research I've done leaves me a bit lost, so I figured that this would be the place to be? Thoughts on value? (Yes, I know pix would help, but I can't get the resolution needed). thanks in advance!

03-18-2013, 07:08 PM	#3
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,323 Thanks: 7,193 Thanked 2,537 Times in 1,350 Posts	Welcome to the forum, Mike. The "stickies" at the tops of individual sections contain rundowns on helpful stuff and lots of other info. There's one about suggestions for taking and uploading photos, so check that out first to avoid our moaning and groaning about inadequate photos! Rich is of course correct, and you will soon see how great pics can save thousands of words. David Parker __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

03-18-2013, 09:38 PM	#5
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	I moved this to the New Collector area and subscribed you to the thread. Unsure about comment on resolution, even cheaper cameras can take good pictures w good lighting. As said above, if dated before 1918 then it's army usually. __________________ 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

03-18-2013, 04:45 PM	#2
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,288 Thanks: 2,702 Thanked 971 Times in 716 Posts	I am afraid that you won't get a true value of your Luger without photos. There are just so many aspects of lugers that can raise and lower the values.....same is true for the holster.

03-18-2013, 08:59 PM	#4
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Since no one else has chimed in, I'll give my usual evaluation on Luger values. I'm not certain if the 1913 date effects the value much, as I've not seen many. Let's say that it is an all matching WW1 military DWM, matching except the magazine. Finish is 80% and completely original. No special markings, unit markings, and no zits or goobers (no rust spots, no unusual damage, etc.) Basically the gun I have described I'd base around $1100-$1400, the holster maybe another $200 to $300. Add or subtract 20% to all these figures depending on how fast you want to sell it, the market in your area, etc, etc, etc. Again these figures are WAG's based on your description and no photos. Hope that helps you out. dju

03-19-2013, 03:02 PM	#6
MisterHappy New User Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks to DJU, and Mr. Tinker. I completely understand the difficulty of a blind "appraisal." The "oral history" that came with it is that it was liberated shortly after D-Day, so I guessed that German Dad gave it to his son, saying, "Here, take this. I carried it when I fought the Froggies," based on the date.