Seeking information please on a newly acquired Luger and Holster

[William J]

I'm new to the forum but have already learned a LOT! I have been running ads over the last few months for war souvenirs, and I recently was able to pick up an "out of the woodwork" DWM 1918 luger and 1918 dated holster.

I would guess that these two have been together forever, and they both are nice but with detractions. I am attaching pictures but can take additional photos as needed. As far as the luger goes, it has nice blueing and straw, however the sideplate is numbered 23 while the rest of the pistol is numbered 46. In addition, the sideplate shows more wear than the remainder of the pistol. If I keep it, should I replace it with another mismatched but better conditioned sideplate?

The holster body is in good condition and is nicely marked under the flap and between the belt loops. However, it has three main flaws. First, the closing strap is broken away where it meets the buckle. Secondly (and thirdly), both the loading tool pouch and the lift strap are missing altogether. To Jerry Burney (if you read this, sir), is this holster a worthwhile candidate for restoration?

Lastly, I do have a couple of matched lugers that I will share a bit later on this forum. But could someone tell me the ballpark range of a fair value for the pistol and holster (as a shooter I suppose) in its current condition? I thank you all in advance!

[William J]

I think I'd like to post this on the "for sale" page, but I'd like it to be a fair price for both parties. If anyone has even a ballpark range for the pistol/holster, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[lugerholsterrepair]

William, thanks for your posting..It is hard to place a value on your pistol or to evaluate the holster for a restauration. There is no photo of the inside of the holster except for the date & maker mark. If you can show a photo of the inside I can give better advice..

Much more needs to be known about the pistol including the magazine, inside of the grips, bore condition etc. unless you want a really rough value..Does it actually fire? Have you shot it and does it function with the MM sideplate?

A little more information and I am sure the opinions will pour in!

Thanks, Jerry Burney

[Norme]

Hi William, I wouldn't give up on this gun so fast. Finding a matching number side plate is difficult, but not impossible. Remember, for every letter block of 10,000, there were 100 number 46's. If you find one it will add about $500.00 to the value of this gun. Also, Jerry Burney is a miracle worker with leather, and he has rejuvenated holsters in far worse shape than yours. Regards and good luck, Norm

[William J]

Jerry,

I'm including a couple of additional shots of the holster for your opinion. All the stitching seems sound, which makes the missing tool pouch a bit of a mystery. I will also remove the grips of the pistol and test fire it as well. The magazine is a mismatched wood base mag and I'm not sure if it belongs with an Erfurt or DWM (I'm assuming they might have been marked differently?)

Norm,

What you are saying makes sense. A gentlemen on this forum currently has sideplates 45 and 47 available (both one number off...of course!) so anything is possible!

[lugerholsterrepair]

William, Thanks for the photo's! The holster you have is actually pretty decent. The top and body are in good condition. The missing parts are a problem when it comes to selling it. You are missing 3 pretty important items..The tool pouch being the most important, pull-up strap and the closure strap. Well, they are all important! You have a little over a hundred in needed repairs..Most holsters in this age range and condition could expect to bring $200-250 If it were really dolled up it might bring a tad more...It has a strong date & maker stamp. Only question I have is the hinge...Is it cracked or weak? WW1 holsters tend to have worn, weak top hinges. At least this one looks like it might be.
So..If I were wanting to buy this holster I would offer $75-maybe 100 if the hinge were strong. You might get more if you offer it up on the trader section but the missing parts will be a consideration for anyone who looks at it. There could be other stitching/toe problems I cannot see from your excellent photo's!

There is a 1918 pistol presently much like yours on the trader section, I think the seller is asking $799?
The main thing with a shooter..does it shoot? If you can say it does with confidence and a shooting session under your belt it will go a long way towards the buyer accepting the MM sideplate.

One important thing to remember. Even a matching numbered sideplate might not work on the pistol for fireing. These were hand fitted for function.

Jerry Burney

[DavidJayUden]

Email sent.
Thanks;
dju