Two DWM Lugers, indentification help needed (pic heavy)

nlzn · 11-02-2011, 06:53 PM

Hello friends,

Just a little background, I am a 28year old very experienced shooter. I was brought up around firearms, and consider myself very capable so feel free to get technical in replies.

I recently inherited two DWM lugers in addition to several other 'antique' firearms (KY Long rifles, Winchester lever actions (1890's) etc.. My recently passed grandfather was an avid collector.

However with all the research I've done on these two there just seems to be so much that goes into identification and appraisal. I will not be selling these but I would like to know their value so I can add it to the estate value before I take full possession.

Thanks in advance for any insight you guys can offer!
Please see the images below for the two.

This is #1:

This is #2:

Holsters:

Thanks again!
-Zac

Norme · 11-02-2011, 07:13 PM

Hi Zac, Welcome to the forum! Gun #1 is a very desirable and collectible DWM 1st Issue (1909). It appears to be in original condition, apart from the magazine which is a WW2 replacement. In addition, the gun is unit marked to a machine gun company which is a plus. I would estimate the value at $2,000.00 to $2,500.00.
Gun #2 is a DWM commercial and is much less interesting (to me), I'll let one of the commercial guys value it for you. Regards, Norm

Edward Tinker · 11-02-2011, 07:20 PM

the 2nd ones looks like the take down lever has a 08 on it instead of 00 - and it might be reblued, can't tell from your pictures.

The magazines on both are WW2 era, both should have wood bottoms.

My wife was just saying that we should be looking for a KY or Penn longrifle.

Sounds like you inherited an incredible collection.

Ed

mrerick · 11-02-2011, 08:32 PM

It's hard to judge your DWM s/n 2800d from the photos due to focus and the use of flash.

It looks like it's been refinished, especially if the trigger and safety lever are blue instead of the more golden "straw" color. The edges on the rear of the receiver look like they have been buffed.

If reblued, it would be shooter grade, perhaps $800-$900 unless there is something else very special about it.

The WW-II era magazines are worth $125-$150 each if they are in excellent condition.

The 1942 holster is probably worth $175-$225 if original (not a reproduction) in good condition with stitching intact.

The GeCo police holster may be worth more. There is a holster specialist on this board that should know it's value.

nlzn · 11-02-2011, 08:57 PM

Thanks for all the responses!

Maybe these will help with #2. (sorry with the poor images, I thought maybe some color backdrop with no flash would help).

DavidJayUden · 11-02-2011, 09:45 PM

You are in an enviable position, having inherited 2 Lugers, one early original one to collect and one, #2800, a mismatched, refinished shooter.
dju

11-02-2011, 07:20 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	the 2nd ones looks like the take down lever has a 08 on it instead of 00 - and it might be reblued, can't tell from your pictures. The magazines on both are WW2 era, both should have wood bottoms. My wife was just saying that we should be looking for a KY or Penn longrifle. Sounds like you inherited an incredible collection. Ed __________________ 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

11-02-2011, 08:32 PM	#4
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,920 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	It's hard to judge your DWM s/n 2800d from the photos due to focus and the use of flash. It looks like it's been refinished, especially if the trigger and safety lever are blue instead of the more golden "straw" color. The edges on the rear of the receiver look like they have been buffed. If reblued, it would be shooter grade, perhaps $800-$900 unless there is something else very special about it. The WW-II era magazines are worth $125-$150 each if they are in excellent condition. The 1942 holster is probably worth $175-$225 if original (not a reproduction) in good condition with stitching intact. The GeCo police holster may be worth more. There is a holster specialist on this board that should know it's value. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

11-02-2011, 06:53 PM	#1
nlzn New User Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Two DWM Lugers, indentification help needed (pic heavy) Hello friends, Just a little background, I am a 28year old very experienced shooter. I was brought up around firearms, and consider myself very capable so feel free to get technical in replies. I recently inherited two DWM lugers in addition to several other 'antique' firearms (KY Long rifles, Winchester lever actions (1890's) etc.. My recently passed grandfather was an avid collector. However with all the research I've done on these two there just seems to be so much that goes into identification and appraisal. I will not be selling these but I would like to know their value so I can add it to the estate value before I take full possession. Thanks in advance for any insight you guys can offer! Please see the images below for the two. This is #1: This is #2: Holsters: Thanks again! -Zac

11-02-2011, 07:13 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 Zac, Welcome to the forum! Gun #1 is a very desirable and collectible DWM 1st Issue (1909). It appears to be in original condition, apart from the magazine which is a WW2 replacement. In addition, the gun is unit marked to a machine gun company which is a plus. I would estimate the value at $2,000.00 to $2,500.00. Gun #2 is a DWM commercial and is much less interesting (to me), I'll let one of the commercial guys value it for you. Regards, Norm

11-02-2011, 08:57 PM	#5
nlzn New User Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for all the responses! Maybe these will help with #2. (sorry with the poor images, I thought maybe some color backdrop with no flash would help).

11-02-2011, 09:45 PM	#6
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	You are in an enviable position, having inherited 2 Lugers, one early original one to collect and one, #2800, a mismatched, refinished shooter. dju