New member needing help

marhende · 04-18-2010, 10:37 AM

I need help identifying what I believe is a 1939 / 42 Luger. I am new to the group and to Lugers so I only know what I have been able to determine from the group posting. I recieved it in an inheritance from my late brother. All numbers match as well as clip. No holster, no know military history. I am interested in condition and value. Thanks, Mark

DavidJayUden · 04-18-2010, 10:45 AM

Welcome and nice Luger.
They are all interesting and yours is no exception. The collecters here will discount/dismiss it as probably refinished and re-gripped.
What we will need to see is more pictures without all the glare. Also photo the magazine # closely, as there is matched and there is really matched.
If my wild assumptions are correct based on those photos I'd give it a ballpark value of $700. It is one you can shoot and enjoy.
dju

Norme · 04-18-2010, 01:47 PM

Hi Mark, Welcome to the forum. It's hard to tell from your photos, but this gun looks to me like it has been refinished, and the grips are replacements. If so, David's valuation is right on. Regards, Norm

John Sabato · 04-18-2010, 08:17 PM

Welcome to the Lugerforum.

I concur that this nice looking Luger has been nicely refinished. The finish is too nice for the military Luger that it is... the grips are modern Swiss replacements, and very serviceable for shooting. Enjoy this gun as a remembrance of your brother... and do enjoy shooting it. The value is approximately what has been quoted to you... About $700 in today's market. Because it has been refinished, it has little collector value.

alvin · 04-18-2010, 10:34 PM

I noticed Luger buyers are very cautious. People new to Luger know to come and ask opinion first. Nothing is played at emotion. That's very smart.

sheepherder · 04-19-2010, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Sabato

The value is approximately what has been quoted to you... About $700 in today's market. Because it has been refinished, it has little collector value.

I would say that figure is being generous. But that would be the valuation of a collector...

I have only owned 5 Lugers; two I bought in the '80's, and only paid ~$350 for...neither had been refinished...

About 2 years ago, I bought a commercial in pretty much the same condition that yours is in; refinished, with new replacement grips. IIRC, I paid ~$850, being completely unfamiliar with prices or collector values. I used prevailing "sold" prices from GunBroker.com as my guide. In fact, I bid on at least a dozen before 'winning' my refinished commercial.

Were you to sell yours, on an online auction like GB, I would not be surprised if it went for a similar price of $800+...because it would only be newcomers to the Luger mystique bidding on it, attracted (as I was) by a nice looking finish & grips, and not knowing that those actually detracted from its value.

One of those paradoxes, where it is actually worth more to someone who has no idea what it is than to a knowledgeable collector.

alvin · 04-19-2010, 08:23 AM

Postie, you ignored one fact. There are a bunch of collectors only collect refurbished guns. If it's not refurbished, it's not in their consideration. Surprised? Well, try this: list a refurbished gun as is, focusing on "job well done", "tight action", "shoots well" etc, asking a few hundred, finally it will go. Many people's principle line (or expense cap) was 3-digit. This is not life essential item, if you can sell it at $700, don't sell at $350. Earn that money.

All local shops that I visited carry a bunch of CAI scraps. Why? That's profitable. Market is big. Selling low, but the cost is also low, lower.

sheepherder · 04-19-2010, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvin

There are a bunch of collectors only collects refurbished guns. If it's not refurbished, it's not in their consideration. Surprised?

...More like "astounded"...

I have one, but only because it was/is pretty to look at...I would never consider collecting them...

marhende · 04-19-2010, 08:54 AM

Thanks for your responses. Given that mine is more of a shooters quality, what method of sell would you most recommend, a local shop/dealer or online like this forum. Any percautions or things to take into consideration? Although I would love to keep this item, the proceeds will help support my brother's widow.

DavidJayUden · 04-19-2010, 09:07 AM

I would post it here in the Traders or for sale section and give us all a crack at it. Lots of persons of varyng levels of interest watch that area. And it is free. For information on how to sell, maybe read up over on GunBroker.com as they have sub-sections that clearly explain the rules. Main rule is to ship to only a holder of a Federal Firearms License or a Curios and Relics license holder. Probably best to use UPS 2nd Day Air, give the buyer a 3 day inspection, avoid PayPal, demand cashier's check and let the bank clear it before shipping, etc.
Good luck with the sale. And for God's sake, make sure it is not loaded when it is shipped.
dju

sheepherder · 04-19-2010, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marhende

Thanks for your responses. Given that mine is more of a shooters quality, what method of sell would you most recommend?

I would put it on Gunbroker.com, as that has a much wider readerbase than this forum. And it's an auction, not a fixed price site. Demand will establish its worth. You can post a minimum of (for instance) the $700 mentioned by Ed, and if it doesn't sell, then list it here, or on Still's Forum, on on ARFCOM, etc. Don't be disappointed if it doesn't sell immediately, and don't let it go for a song. It'll find an owner at your price eventually. It's nice looking; some n00bie like me will buy it.

It seems to me that people come here after purchase to see what they've bought.

If you are in a strict state like New York, be aware that ownership must be established (i.e.; on paper --> state pistol permit or FFL holder) and only FFL to FFL shipping is allowed (NYS that is).

alvin · 04-19-2010, 05:11 PM

A typical ad could be as following. Focusing on its good aspect. People reading
this ad care words like "all matching", "swastica is still there", "shoots
well", etc. Be generous on those. Starting from $0.01, reserve $750, "Buy
it Now" $850. You have to add a little bit because of commission. People
spending $700 buying a gun won't care extra $20 charge. If he does, he's
not a serious buyer, you wait next bidder.

Title: 9mm Nazi Mauser 1939 Luger Pistol with matching magazine

For sale is a 1939 Nazi era Mauser made 9m/m Luger in excellent 99% condition,
no pits nor rust anywhere on the gun, might be reblued in the past, if
it was, the job was done wonderfully [don't feel bad, it's not original, wonderful
or not is very flexible. No one can argue]. It's all matching including the clip.
All Nazi stamps are clear and sharp. The gun is fully functional, action is tight and
it shoots accurately in range [is this true? better try it]

Shipping to FFL or C&R in 48 States.

====
Keep shipping charge low. Many people focus on shipping charge. Charge $15 or $20.

saab-bob · 04-19-2010, 05:27 PM

Alvin

Do you write advertising for used car dealers?

Very nice!

Bob

Edward Tinker · 04-19-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvin

A typical ad could be as following. Focusing on its good aspect. People reading
this ad care words like "all matching", "swastica is still there", "shoots well", etc. Be generous on those. Starting from $0.01, reserve $750, "Buy it Now" $850. ...
Title: 9mm Nazi Mauser 1939 Luger Pistol with matching magazine

====
Keep shipping charge low. Many people focus on shipping charge. Charge $15 or $20.

I usually start on the forums, its free and your audience already likes them.

If the magazine is matching, then I usually figure an extra $100 on a sale for a "shooter".

Nice write up Alvin

Ed

Norme · 04-19-2010, 05:42 PM

Alvin raises a good point. That Swastika is an asset, sad but true. Regards

JTD · 04-19-2010, 06:50 PM

My thought is if you put it up as a nice condition refinished WWII era shooter, at 700 dollars, the thing will sell itself. That luger does not need all the hype. John

marhende · 04-19-2010, 10:46 PM

thanks to all for your insight and advice...!

DavidJayUden · 04-19-2010, 11:41 PM

And good luck to you. Sorry for your loss.
dju

alvin · 04-20-2010, 08:27 PM

Probably gunbroker.com is better than other sites. Other ad sites (I used GA and AA in the past) have a common problem -- non-pay buyers. People simply could not keep their commitment. Or worse, lying about their wives were mad or their kids were sick or he just lost the job, etc, etc, too many versions. Probably gunbroker.com will be better.

04-18-2010, 10:37 AM	#1
marhende New User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New member needing help I need help identifying what I believe is a 1939 / 42 Luger. I am new to the group and to Lugers so I only know what I have been able to determine from the group posting. I recieved it in an inheritance from my late brother. All numbers match as well as clip. No holster, no know military history. I am interested in condition and value. Thanks, Mark Attached Thumbnails

04-18-2010, 08:17 PM	#4
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,152 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Welcome to the Lugerforum. I concur that this nice looking Luger has been nicely refinished. The finish is too nice for the military Luger that it is... the grips are modern Swiss replacements, and very serviceable for shooting. Enjoy this gun as a remembrance of your brother... and do enjoy shooting it. The value is approximately what has been quoted to you... About $700 in today's market. Because it has been refinished, it has little collector value. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-19-2010, 05:27 PM	#13
saab-bob User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 459 Thanks: 774 Thanked 143 Times in 87 Posts	Alvin Do you write advertising for used car dealers? Very nice! Bob __________________ "I think,therefore I own guns"

04-18-2010, 10:45 AM	#2
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Welcome and nice Luger. They are all interesting and yours is no exception. The collecters here will discount/dismiss it as probably refinished and re-gripped. What we will need to see is more pictures without all the glare. Also photo the magazine # closely, as there is matched and there is really matched. If my wild assumptions are correct based on those photos I'd give it a ballpark value of $700. It is one you can shoot and enjoy. dju

04-18-2010, 01:47 PM	#3
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,416 Thanks: 225 Thanked 2,595 Times in 932 Posts	Hi Mark, Welcome to the forum. It's hard to tell from your photos, but this gun looks to me like it has been refinished, and the grips are replacements. If so, David's valuation is right on. Regards, Norm

04-18-2010, 10:34 PM	#5
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	I noticed Luger buyers are very cautious. People new to Luger know to come and ask opinion first. Nothing is played at emotion. That's very smart.

04-19-2010, 08:23 AM	#7
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	Postie, you ignored one fact. There are a bunch of collectors only collect refurbished guns. If it's not refurbished, it's not in their consideration. Surprised? Well, try this: list a refurbished gun as is, focusing on "job well done", "tight action", "shoots well" etc, asking a few hundred, finally it will go. Many people's principle line (or expense cap) was 3-digit. This is not life essential item, if you can sell it at $700, don't sell at $350. Earn that money. All local shops that I visited carry a bunch of CAI scraps. Why? That's profitable. Market is big. Selling low, but the cost is also low, lower.

04-19-2010, 08:54 AM	#9
marhende New User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for your responses. Given that mine is more of a shooters quality, what method of sell would you most recommend, a local shop/dealer or online like this forum. Any percautions or things to take into consideration? Although I would love to keep this item, the proceeds will help support my brother's widow.

04-19-2010, 09:07 AM	#10
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	I would post it here in the Traders or for sale section and give us all a crack at it. Lots of persons of varyng levels of interest watch that area. And it is free. For information on how to sell, maybe read up over on GunBroker.com as they have sub-sections that clearly explain the rules. Main rule is to ship to only a holder of a Federal Firearms License or a Curios and Relics license holder. Probably best to use UPS 2nd Day Air, give the buyer a 3 day inspection, avoid PayPal, demand cashier's check and let the bank clear it before shipping, etc. Good luck with the sale. And for God's sake, make sure it is not loaded when it is shipped. dju

04-19-2010, 05:11 PM	#12
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	A typical ad could be as following. Focusing on its good aspect. People reading this ad care words like "all matching", "swastica is still there", "shoots well", etc. Be generous on those. Starting from $0.01, reserve $750, "Buy it Now" $850. You have to add a little bit because of commission. People spending $700 buying a gun won't care extra $20 charge. If he does, he's not a serious buyer, you wait next bidder. Title: 9mm Nazi Mauser 1939 Luger Pistol with matching magazine For sale is a 1939 Nazi era Mauser made 9m/m Luger in excellent 99% condition, no pits nor rust anywhere on the gun, might be reblued in the past, if it was, the job was done wonderfully [don't feel bad, it's not original, wonderful or not is very flexible. No one can argue]. It's all matching including the clip. All Nazi stamps are clear and sharp. The gun is fully functional, action is tight and it shoots accurately in range [is this true? better try it] Shipping to FFL or C&R in 48 States. ==== Keep shipping charge low. Many people focus on shipping charge. Charge $15 or $20.

04-19-2010, 05:42 PM	#15
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,416 Thanks: 225 Thanked 2,595 Times in 932 Posts	Alvin raises a good point. That Swastika is an asset, sad but true. Regards

04-19-2010, 06:50 PM	#16
JTD User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 424 Thanks: 217 Thanked 407 Times in 148 Posts	My thought is if you put it up as a nice condition refinished WWII era shooter, at 700 dollars, the thing will sell itself. That luger does not need all the hype. John

04-19-2010, 10:46 PM	#17
marhende New User Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	thanks to all for your insight and advice...!

04-19-2010, 11:41 PM	#18
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	And good luck to you. Sorry for your loss. dju

04-20-2010, 08:27 PM	#19
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	Probably gunbroker.com is better than other sites. Other ad sites (I used GA and AA in the past) have a common problem -- non-pay buyers. People simply could not keep their commitment. Or worse, lying about their wives were mad or their kids were sick or he just lost the job, etc, etc, too many versions. Probably gunbroker.com will be better.