1918 DWM Question

[jedai]

Looking to purchase my first Luger. Have an opportunity to buy a 1918 DWM military 9MM...appears to be a pretty solid, common gun.

All matching, including grips, and approx 70% finish or thereabouts...very slight pitting on one side from holster. The clip matches, as well. Seeking a reasonable price range for this kind of gun. Also, how much does the matching clip add...I understand that is a little unusual? Thanks for any advice that you can give to a Luger novice.

[mrerick]

Many collectors consider any original finish below about 85% to start taking a pistol out of the collectable category.

The presence of an authentic matching clip does add to the value of a collectable pistol. It is unusual to find a Luger with it's matching pistol. Unfortunately, this is often faked. We'd need good sharp closeup pictures of the markings on the pistol and the magazine.

At this point, sounds like possibly a $700-750 "shooter" grade pistol including the matching magazine. Pictures would help any estimates.

Marc

[jedai]

Thanks, Marc.

I am adding pictures for better information. My friend has this gun and we are discussing a reasonable price for it. My limited Luger knowledge indicates this a fairly common Luger (correct?), with no holster or accessories.

As I understand it, the right side proof marks indicate that it is German military. Are the left side proofs the same? I understand the far-right mark of that grouping is the Imperial mark...have not identified the other 3. I don't have a picture of the clip.

Opinions as to true value of this gun? Thanks for any help.

[DavidJayUden]

I think you are pretty much on the money with your own description. A fairly common WW1 gun in about average condition. I'm not sure if I'm ready to relegate it to the shooter column just yet, especially if ALL numbers including the magazine match. I'm thinking that a very good cleaning and oiling, AND having Hugh facelift the grips, could make it fairly presentable. But actual condition is hard to judge from these photos.
Regarding value, still unclear on matching mag. issue, but ballpark $750 as-is, to maybe $1000 tops.
Anyway, you have a nice Luger there, just take care of it and enjoy!
dju

[jedai]

Thanks, David...this information is helpful.

[mrerick]

Can you post a picture of the bottom and sides of the magazine? If all correct, that would add some value to the pistol. More toward the higher of the values David quoted.

The grip does have the "million dollar chip" so would warrant having Hugh look at it to repair and clean them up. I would clean the rest, but never attempt to refinish or alter it.

I also agree that if all matching, it's at the lower end of collectable.

Marc

[jedai]

Don't have the gun in hand, but will post more pics when I do. OK, I'll bite...who is Hugh & what is the "million dollar chip"?

[mrerick]

A member here, Hugh Clark, is an expert at restoring and making grips. He is, in many people's opinion, in the top tier of people doing this work.

The small chip broken away from the upper right corner of the left Luger grip in your picture is the "million dollar" chip. It considerably reduces the value of many Lugers. It happens when the grip is improperly removed.

Marc

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by jedai

My friend has this gun and we are discussing a reasonable price for it.

"Reasonable" and Lugers have nothing in common...

[lugerholsterrepair]

This pistols condition has less curb appeal than some..I agree with the other estimates posted here but I would err on the low side..One would have to see the mag bottom numbers to add any value to it..Maybe so..maybe no. David and Marc give good advice..Personally I would be very comfortable at $600 but my comfort level would top out at $750. An authentic pretty matching magazine would help.

[jedai]

Now have the gun in hand. Seems to be all original/matching. Looks a little better in person.

Thought I would post a photo of the clip serial number, which matches.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by jedai

My friend has this gun and we are discussing a reasonable price for it.

Originally Posted by mrerick

At this point, sounds like possibly a $700-750 "shooter" grade pistol including the matching magazine.

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

Regarding value, still unclear on matching mag. issue, but ballpark $750 as-is, to maybe $1000 tops.

Originally Posted by lugerholsterrepair

Personally I would be very comfortable at $600 but my comfort level would top out at $750. An authentic pretty matching magazine would help.

I think you can see the consensus of opinion here...

I would have two doubts -

(1) Magazine - The base doesn't look too good, whether fake or not. I would not count on this 'matching magazine' as adding any value to this Luger (and might possibly cost more to regain functionality).

(2) Is this a real buddy or just a casual acquaintance? Maybe someone you know from the local gun club or corner bar?

If it is a real friend, a sale like this can impact the relationship for years...On either side...There are those who think any Luger is worth thousands...And that they are all 'rare'...And therefore worth whatever high value the seller can find on GB or GA...

The bottom line is that this is a common Luger with most likely a troublesome magazine; well worn, without accessories, and could use some obvious repairs (and possibly some not so obvious).

I would vote for the $750 estimates. If your friend insists it is worth more, wish him luck.

Originally Posted by jedai

Now have the gun in hand.

Oh? What was the hammer price???

[jedai]

The gun came from a good friend, with whom I've done a lot of bargaining over the years, some quite profitable for me. Both of us are fairly knowledgeable about guns in general, but know little about Lugers...obviously, a pretty specialized area, as you well know. We had agreed on $900 before most of the referenced posts, so I honored that price.

Postino - I am not clear about the clip comment. I realize the photo is not real clear, but the numerals certainly appear to be original and well worn, with patina, and the clip fits quite well.

Thanks to all for the helpful information. Another learning experience.

[lugerholsterrepair]

The wood bottom doesn't look fake..might just be the photo but beat up and possibly varnished.

More importantly..what does the body of the magazine look like?

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by jedai

Postino - I am not clear about the clip comment. I realize the photo is not real clear, but the numerals certainly appear to be original and well worn, with patina, and the clip fits quite well.

Number looks crooked...Probably the angle the pic was taken at...Font looks OK, as does the +...

Old Luger magazines are the most common cause of problems. The base of that one looks shiny...Does it look like it is varnished?

Post pics of the entire mag, including any close-ups of markings. Might be a desirable magazine in its own right.

Consider getting a Mec-gar magazine to shoot with. Display that one.

Geography and local taxes play an important part in value. Places like say Texas or Arizona, where there seem to be a lot of Lugers, often have lower values on Lugers than here in New York. Not having to pay a 8% or 9% sales tax, FFL fee, or shipping charge can make a $900 'local' Luger more attractive that a similar GB sale.

I have a friend with a short attention span. After 6 months, he'll sell any new toy. I've bought several dozen items from him - Rifles, handguns,a motorcycle, even uniforms. We both know what they're worth, so we have no problems (I've known him since the mid-70's).

Bar, gunshop 'hot stove league', or gun club acquaintances are another matter...