New Purchase 1936 Luger 9mm w/holster

DunderDon · 10-01-2010, 12:20 AM

I just purchased my first Luger. Friend says his grandfather was a tank commander at the battle of the bulge, and this came from there. $900 USD? Did I do okay or not.

All numbers match including 2 matching mags, Holster marked 1938, with key.

I have tried many times to upload pictures to no avail?

rolandtg · 10-01-2010, 12:29 AM

Without even seeing the photos I'm gonna say you probably did just fine!

Try reducing the size of your photos, that might help.

mrerick · 10-01-2010, 11:20 AM

If the Luger hasn't been "messed with" (it's in original factory finish and hasn't been modified with engraving, etc...), and is all matching, you did more than OK. A collectible Luger is worth $1500 or more depending on finish condition. The two matching magazines (if original) add to that value several hundred dollars. The original holster is worth $200 or more depending on condition. The marked tool is $75 or more.

Members here can't judge much without photographs. There are good articles in this forum on how to prepare photos for upload to the site.

Now, go back to your friend, thank him, and ask if there are any "bring back" authorization papers in his grandfather's files. They may have been issued to him by his unit officer, and would list the specific pistol. These add to the history of the rig you bought, and also add to the value.

If you can learn the story of the weapon's capture, please share it here. There is a forum member that is assembling these stories for an upcoming book.

Marc

Railsplitter · 10-01-2010, 01:33 PM

I agree. Pistol, Tool, Holster and two matching mags for under $1000.00 ... I'm thinkin' you did just fine. And don't ask me why but it has been my experience that 1936 can be a tough year to find.

DunderDon · 10-01-2010, 04:13 PM

Wow, thanks so much for the encouraging news. I don't have a lot of experience with rating a gun, but from what I have read, I would say that the bluing is at least 98% and the "straw" is perfect.
I know you are not to shoot these, but I couldn't resist, and was amazed at it's accuracy, and how well it functioned, after sitting for over 50 years unfired. I couldn't believe how high the spent cartridges went (15 to 20 feet). And how comfortable the gun fit in my hand.
I was told that this piece was recovered at the Battle of the Bulge, by my friends grandfather, who was a tank commander, and that he has a lot of maps etc. from Patton. I will ask him to look for the bring back chit. I am going to try to buy a couple of maps from him too.

This forum is great, and I will keep trying with the pictures.

Thanks again,

Railsplitter · 10-01-2010, 05:23 PM

You can shoot it. It's your pistol. Most collectors would advise against shooting a collectable piece for fear of having something break. It's probably good advice, but only advice none the less. I'll say one thing. From the sound of your last post you now have an appreciation for the look, feel and function of the Luger that makes them so addicting. Have you started looking for your second one yet ??

FNorm · 10-01-2010, 10:05 PM

The Mauser were built strong. But we here suggest Winchester white box 115 gr. Never any of the boosted or +P ammo, never any steel cases.

Yeah, and those ejected shells hurt when they come back down on a bare head. Especially a skin colored one!

FN

tomaustin · 10-01-2010, 10:14 PM

i am a serious collector of the 1936 lugers...i am satisfied that was a VERY good year of production. i get compliments all the time when i show them to friends or new collectors...welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of lugers...you will not believe the depth of knowledge lurking behind these computer keys........come on in...the waters' fine.....tom

wlyon · 10-02-2010, 12:13 AM

Really need pictures to tell you anything. Sounds good but really need to see good pictures. Welcome to the Forum and happy collecting. Bill

connectfour · 10-03-2010, 07:47 PM

Why don't I ever see deals like that? I am new to lugers and new to this site.

10-01-2010, 12:20 AM	#1
DunderDon New User Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New Purchase 1936 Luger 9mm w/holster I just purchased my first Luger. Friend says his grandfather was a tank commander at the battle of the bulge, and this came from there. $900 USD? Did I do okay or not. All numbers match including 2 matching mags, Holster marked 1938, with key. I have tried many times to upload pictures to no avail?

10-01-2010, 11:20 AM	#3
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	If the Luger hasn't been "messed with" (it's in original factory finish and hasn't been modified with engraving, etc...), and is all matching, you did more than OK. A collectible Luger is worth $1500 or more depending on finish condition. The two matching magazines (if original) add to that value several hundred dollars. The original holster is worth $200 or more depending on condition. The marked tool is $75 or more. Members here can't judge much without photographs. There are good articles in this forum on how to prepare photos for upload to the site. Now, go back to your friend, thank him, and ask if there are any "bring back" authorization papers in his grandfather's files. They may have been issued to him by his unit officer, and would list the specific pistol. These add to the history of the rig you bought, and also add to the value. If you can learn the story of the weapon's capture, please share it here. There is a forum member that is assembling these stories for an upcoming book. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-01-2010, 04:13 PM	#5
DunderDon New User Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1936 Luger with Holster Wow, thanks so much for the encouraging news. I don't have a lot of experience with rating a gun, but from what I have read, I would say that the bluing is at least 98% and the "straw" is perfect. I know you are not to shoot these, but I couldn't resist, and was amazed at it's accuracy, and how well it functioned, after sitting for over 50 years unfired. I couldn't believe how high the spent cartridges went (15 to 20 feet). And how comfortable the gun fit in my hand. I was told that this piece was recovered at the Battle of the Bulge, by my friends grandfather, who was a tank commander, and that he has a lot of maps etc. from Patton. I will ask him to look for the bring back chit. I am going to try to buy a couple of maps from him too. This forum is great, and I will keep trying with the pictures. Thanks again,

10-01-2010, 10:14 PM	#8
tomaustin Lifer X5 Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: texas Posts: 708 Thanks: 87 Thanked 522 Times in 201 Posts	i don't know whether to call you dunder or don..... i am a serious collector of the 1936 lugers...i am satisfied that was a VERY good year of production. i get compliments all the time when i show them to friends or new collectors...welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of lugers...you will not believe the depth of knowledge lurking behind these computer keys........come on in...the waters' fine.....tom

10-02-2010, 12:13 AM	#9
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,633 Thanks: 3,173 Thanked 2,555 Times in 954 Posts	Really need pictures to tell you anything. Sounds good but really need to see good pictures. Welcome to the Forum and happy collecting. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

10-01-2010, 12:29 AM	#2
rolandtg User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 477 Thanks: 378 Thanked 258 Times in 113 Posts	Without even seeing the photos I'm gonna say you probably did just fine! Try reducing the size of your photos, that might help.

10-01-2010, 01:33 PM	#4
Railsplitter User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 112 Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	I agree. Pistol, Tool, Holster and two matching mags for under $1000.00 ... I'm thinkin' you did just fine. And don't ask me why but it has been my experience that 1936 can be a tough year to find.

10-01-2010, 05:23 PM	#6
Railsplitter User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 112 Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	You can shoot it. It's your pistol. Most collectors would advise against shooting a collectable piece for fear of having something break. It's probably good advice, but only advice none the less. I'll say one thing. From the sound of your last post you now have an appreciation for the look, feel and function of the Luger that makes them so addicting. Have you started looking for your second one yet ??

10-01-2010, 10:05 PM	#7
FNorm Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 978 Thanks: 68 Thanked 127 Times in 108 Posts	The Mauser were built strong. But we here suggest Winchester white box 115 gr. Never any of the boosted or +P ammo, never any steel cases. Yeah, and those ejected shells hurt when they come back down on a bare head. Especially a skin colored one! FN

10-03-2010, 07:47 PM	#10
connectfour User Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Why don't I ever see deals like that? I am new to lugers and new to this site.