Navy Luger or not?

[Granadog]

Trying to find out information on these two Lugers I am purchasing. They are coming from a friend who inherited them from his dad but he knows nothing about them and neither do I. He asked me to pay him whatever is fair and that is what leads me here. Trying to find out as much information about these two Lugers and what would be a fair price to offer, at the same time, get a good deal in case I decide to resell them. Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer!!!

First seems to be a military Luger. It measures on overall length of just under 13” and the barrel accounting for 8”. It has the serial number 6329 under the barrel and 29 repeats itself on many of the small parts. This has a wooden extension that attaches to the back of the Luger and has the word “GERMANY” on it. The wood part of the magazine has 3376, not matching the Lugar.

The second I am guessing is more of a commercial luger. It measures on overall length of just under 17.5” and the barrel accounting for 12”. It has the serial number 46612 with the word “GERMANY” just under the barrel. This serial number does not repeat itself on the smaller parts. There is an additional logo on the barrel that appears to be an eagle.

[Eugen]

Photos are requisite if you really want informed opinions. Photos are worth a thousand words, text descriptions might get a few generalized guesses. Help Forum members help you.

[kurusu]

[Granadog]

Here are pictures of the first Luger

[Granadog]

Here are pictures of the second Luger

[kurusu]

Well, an Artillery it isn't. The rear sights are from a Navy.

The second one was an American Eagle.

Someone along the line really liked long barrels.

And yes, the second is a commercial model probably in .30 Luger. The parts are also numbered, but not just in plain sight the sideplate is numbered at the bottom for exemple.

Someone more experienced will certaily tell you more. You just wait.

[ithacaartist]

Along with the barrels, it's a good bet that the Navy rear toggles/sights were added later, too. The first one ought to make a great shooter, it has been over-buffed as prep for a refinish. The AE would be a good candidate for at least returning it to original configuration (barrel and toggle) at which point the Navy toggle and Carbine-length barrel on it could be re-sold to someone for a project. Or just shoot it the way it is--you're already halfway to the target!

Value? My guess is that each might be worth around a thousand, maybe a little more, as interesting shooters if they function OK. The condition/value--due to the refinish--of the first one is not as good as what remains of the second pistol.

Lastly, do not attach the butt stock to either pistol, as the combination makes either one a "short barreled rifle." It is against the law, unless the weapon is registered as such with the BATFE. There are exceptions, but these are not in that category.

[gunbugs]

I would also note that the extractor is in the "geladen" position in a couple photos, indicating there is something? in the chamber. DANGER,WILL ROBINSON! DANGER!

[kurusu]

Originally Posted by gunbugs

I would also note that the extractor is in the "geladen" position in a couple photos, indicating there is something? in the chamber. DANGER,WILL ROBINSON! DANGER!

Yep! Gunbugs is right! If that is a live round in the chamber you ought to know that it can still fire even disassembled, if the sear bar is pressed.

[Norme]

Hi Gman,
Welcome to the forum! Since both these guns were assembled from parts post war they are of little interest to collectors. However, that custom Heiser holster is unique and together with either of the guns would be a rare and significant piece of Americana. I don't know how much it would be worth, but it would certainly attract a lot of attention at a gun show.
Regards, Norm

[CAP Black]

Granadog:
If you do have any interest in selling the holster, pleaase send me a private message.
Thanks
Jack

[DavidJayUden]

It never ceases to amaze me the interesting stuff that turns up here...
dju

[Granadog]

Thank you guys very much. I am assuming that the barrels are not serial numbered since ITHACAARTIST said the barrel and toggle could be switched back to original configuration. Thanks for the information on not attaching the butt stock, as a question...is that a "stock" attachment or added after?

[Granadog]

Thanks for the heads up...GUNBUGS!!!! I do not know much about Luger but I did pull the knob thing back and saw nothing in the chamber, must be doing something wrong? or could the "GELADEN" be acting up?

[DavidJayUden]

Yes, the word Geladen only shows when something is keeping the extractor from returning to it's seated position (such as a cartridge), and there should be a spring that forces it to return. On an unloaded firearm that extractor should lie flush with the breech block. Carefully examine it to see why it is not returning to battery, and for the sake of common sense please consider it as loaded until you are absolutely certain that there is no cartridge present. And of course do not force anything.
dju

[John Sabato]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

Lastly, do not attach the butt stock to either pistol, as the combination makes either one a "short barreled rifle." It is against the law, unless the weapon is registered as such with the BATFE. There are exceptions, but these are not in that category.

These are interesting custom shooter Lugers of no collector value... BUT as a new Luger owner...Please pay very close attention to the caution advice by Ithacaartist... the attachment of an Artillery Model stock to ANY Luger that is not an Artillery Luger, especially either of these two pistols that have barrels less than 16" in length, creates an SBR, and that would be a federal felony... the only exception would be if you take the time and pay the $200 tax to register EACH pistol as an SBR with the BATFE, and obtain approval in advance.

[mrerick]

Pay attention to John's post above.

Just owning the stock without a proper Artillery Luger could be considered "constructive possession" and be prosecuted.

Also, the first one looks refinished.

The second one with the very long barrel is more interesting. I suppose that it could be one of those modified by Pacific Arms after import to the USA although I don't recall them fitting Navy sights to them.

And no, barrels are factory serialized to the gun, and it would not be possible to restore it to original condition, although you could spend quite a bit to restore it to original configuration - and still have a shooter.

[Edward Tinker]

not to pile on and a frequent mistake, but you have LUGAR and LUGER in each the same posting

Its Luger - Georg Luger

[Granadog]

I have found both Lugers to be unloaded.
Guess since the Geladan button is doing what it is doing, I should have an trained armorer look at it.
Thanks again for the information on not attaching the stock. It would appear to me that the stock was original to the Luger since there is a slide attachment on the back of the gun, would this be a fair assessment?

[Granadog]

I will change Luger to or too or two Lugers...... lol