1939 WWII Luger P.08

skypilot29 · 07-15-2010, 06:40 PM

My dad brought this back from Italy in 1944 - 45. I've had it cleaned. Original holster but he carved his initials in the gunstock handles. How much is this thing worth?

Norme · 07-15-2010, 06:50 PM

Hi Alan, Welcome to the forum. Please post photos, we can't help you without them. Regards, Norm

Vlim · 07-16-2010, 08:11 AM

Normally speaking, initials on gun- and or holsterparts decreases the value. But since you know it is your father who brought the gun back, and carved his initials in the grips, I wouldn't be too worried. It is always nice to have some sort of provenance with a gun.

Initially I was not too amuzed when I saw material that had GI 'property markings' on them, but lately I feel that it is just part of the history and it doesn't bother me that much.

mrerick · 07-16-2010, 10:01 AM

Also, if you have the GI paperwork that would have accompanied bringing back this Luger to the USA, please scan a copy of it too...

Ed Tinker on this board is avidly collecting "bring back stories"... Please contact him if you have one to share:

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...g+back+stories

A word of advice... Do as little as possible to your Luger until you've learned about values what collectors look for in a Luger. Get some penetrating oil that will protect the finish (like Rem Oil at WalMart) and make sure you keep it in a dry place with low humidity. Don't store it in the holster. An inexpensive soft zipper case is better.

Marc

John Sabato · 07-16-2010, 03:15 PM

If it is a piece of your Dad's history, then it isn't just a gun, it's a family heirloom and it's priceless! Just my $0.02

07-15-2010, 06:40 PM	#1
skypilot29 New User Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1939 WWII Luger P.08 My dad brought this back from Italy in 1944 - 45. I've had it cleaned. Original holster but he carved his initials in the gunstock handles. How much is this thing worth?

07-16-2010, 03:15 PM	#5
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,155 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	If it is a piece of your Dad's history, then it isn't just a gun, it's a family heirloom and it's priceless! Just my $0.02 __________________ 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..."*

07-15-2010, 06:50 PM	#2
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,607 Times in 933 Posts	Hi Alan, Welcome to the forum. Please post photos, we can't help you without them. Regards, Norm

07-16-2010, 08:11 AM	#3
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Normally speaking, initials on gun- and or holsterparts decreases the value. But since you know it is your father who brought the gun back, and carved his initials in the grips, I wouldn't be too worried. It is always nice to have some sort of provenance with a gun. Initially I was not too amuzed when I saw material that had GI 'property markings' on them, but lately I feel that it is just part of the history and it doesn't bother me that much.

07-16-2010, 10:01 AM	#4
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,919 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	Also, if you have the GI paperwork that would have accompanied bringing back this Luger to the USA, please scan a copy of it too... Ed Tinker on this board is avidly collecting "bring back stories"... Please contact him if you have one to share: http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...g+back+stories A word of advice... Do as little as possible to your Luger until you've learned about values what collectors look for in a Luger. Get some penetrating oil that will protect the finish (like Rem Oil at WalMart) and make sure you keep it in a dry place with low humidity. Don't store it in the holster. An inexpensive soft zipper case is better. Marc