Need advice on 1918 artillery

Dave Sanders · 09-19-2025, 06:47 PM

I have a chance to get a 1918 artillery luger with holster and stock. I don't have pictures, so I know it is hard to give an estimate, but I wondered value range. The gun is all matching inside and out. The bluing rates at least 90%+. I didn't take the grips off to see if the grips were numbered as the screws were both really tight to turn and didn't want to mess with that. It has a period nice shape holster with original cleaning rod and unmarked tool. It has an original shoulder stock, but the number doesn't match the gun. There is also an imperial proofmark on the stock. The screws attaching the board look old and unturned. The board itself is in nice shape with no chips or bad scars. It looks like a nice rig.. The mag was not matching to the gun, but original period mag. The guy is taking offers, so I offered $3500. I wondered if that is a fair offer, or am I too high or low? Thanks fo9r any advice you may offer.
Dave

beachbaker · 09-20-2025, 11:25 AM

If the rig is as described the stock sounds legit and the holster solid with the pistol having numbers matching I would think the value is closer to $5000.

Dave Sanders · 09-20-2025, 11:50 AM

Wow, that surprises me. Even with the non matching stock? Thanks for the reply.
Dave

Mac Cat · 09-20-2025, 02:01 PM

Always insist on an inspection period, in case it doesn't live up to the description.
This is particularly important with Lugers, as they have so many matching parts.

Dave Sanders · 09-20-2025, 08:34 PM

I inspected this one in hand. A guy brought it in to a local shop and is taking offers. One of my old students who works at the shop told me about it, so I went in and inspected it.

8ftdinghy · 09-21-2025, 08:11 AM

Did you buy it after your inspection?

Dave Sanders · 09-21-2025, 12:32 PM

No, the owner is taking offers, so I won't know for a day or two.

beachbaker · 09-21-2025, 05:38 PM

Jan Still estimated an overall production of 155,000 artillery Lugers, of which 25,000 were produced in1918 and 90,000 in 1917. As you can tell there are a lot more 1917's available which add a premium to the other years especially 1914 as estimated production is only 5,000.

Dave Sanders · 09-21-2025, 09:28 PM

Interesting. Thank you for that.
Dave

Doubs · 09-22-2025, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachbaker

Jan Still estimated an overall production of 155,000 artillery Lugers, of which 25,000 were produced in1918 and 90,000 in 1917. As you can tell there are a lot more 1917's available which add a premium to the other years especially 1914 as estimated production is only 5,000.

DWM Artillery production may have only been 5,000 in 1914 but Erfurt Artillery production is estimated at 21,000. The 1914 DWM Artillery is obviously more rare.

8ftdinghy · 09-22-2025, 07:35 AM

Sounds like the real estate market method of selling.

Dave Sanders · 09-22-2025, 12:57 PM

Ya, I thought the same thing. If I get it, great, but if not, I'm ok with that, too. Thanks for the info and help.
Dave

09-19-2025, 06:47 PM	#1
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 295 Thanks: 28 Thanked 55 Times in 27 Posts	Need advice on 1918 artillery I have a chance to get a 1918 artillery luger with holster and stock. I don't have pictures, so I know it is hard to give an estimate, but I wondered value range. The gun is all matching inside and out. The bluing rates at least 90%+. I didn't take the grips off to see if the grips were numbered as the screws were both really tight to turn and didn't want to mess with that. It has a period nice shape holster with original cleaning rod and unmarked tool. It has an original shoulder stock, but the number doesn't match the gun. There is also an imperial proofmark on the stock. The screws attaching the board look old and unturned. The board itself is in nice shape with no chips or bad scars. It looks like a nice rig.. The mag was not matching to the gun, but original period mag. The guy is taking offers, so I offered $3500. I wondered if that is a fair offer, or am I too high or low? Thanks fo9r any advice you may offer. Dave

09-20-2025, 11:25 AM	#2
beachbaker Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: california Posts: 144 Thanks: 32 Thanked 111 Times in 32 Posts	If the rig is as described the stock sounds legit and the holster solid with the pistol having numbers matching I would think the value is closer to $5000. __________________ Curt

09-21-2025, 05:38 PM	#8
beachbaker Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: california Posts: 144 Thanks: 32 Thanked 111 Times in 32 Posts	Jan Still estimated an overall production of 155,000 artillery Lugers, of which 25,000 were produced in1918 and 90,000 in 1917. As you can tell there are a lot more 1917's available which add a premium to the other years especially 1914 as estimated production is only 5,000. __________________ Curt

09-20-2025, 11:50 AM	#3
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 295 Thanks: 28 Thanked 55 Times in 27 Posts	Wow, that surprises me. Even with the non matching stock? Thanks for the reply. Dave

09-20-2025, 02:01 PM	#4
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 769 Thanks: 2,188 Thanked 656 Times in 350 Posts	Always insist on an inspection period, in case it doesn't live up to the description. This is particularly important with Lugers, as they have so many matching parts.

09-20-2025, 08:34 PM	#5
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 295 Thanks: 28 Thanked 55 Times in 27 Posts	I inspected this one in hand. A guy brought it in to a local shop and is taking offers. One of my old students who works at the shop told me about it, so I went in and inspected it.

09-21-2025, 08:11 AM	#6
8ftdinghy New User Join Date: Sep 2025 Location: United States Posts: 4 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Did you buy it after your inspection?

09-21-2025, 12:32 PM	#7
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 295 Thanks: 28 Thanked 55 Times in 27 Posts	No, the owner is taking offers, so I won't know for a day or two.

09-21-2025, 09:28 PM	#9
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 295 Thanks: 28 Thanked 55 Times in 27 Posts	Interesting. Thank you for that. Dave

09-22-2025, 07:35 AM	#11
8ftdinghy New User Join Date: Sep 2025 Location: United States Posts: 4 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Sounds like the real estate market method of selling.

09-22-2025, 12:57 PM	#12
Dave Sanders User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hamer, Idaho Posts: 295 Thanks: 28 Thanked 55 Times in 27 Posts	Ya, I thought the same thing. If I get it, great, but if not, I'm ok with that, too. Thanks for the info and help. Dave