Vlaue of Luger

Ron · 03-19-2002, 05:23 PM

I have a 1940 Mauser luger serial # 6671 and would like some idea of the value. Any response will be appreciated

Toggle inscription: Mauser

Chanber inscription: 1940

Toggle Knob:squared

grip safety: no

Stock lug: yes

Caliber: 30 luger

grip: brown plastic with no insignia

thumb safey: safe when forward - groves on safety

markings: # 48 on frame above serial nember

Barrel 3 3/4 inch

marking on extractor: # 48

sights: Fron sight can be moved left or right - back of front sight is "stepped"

Magazine bottom: aluminium same seriel number as gun

has an "io" in script not block print

the bluing is 95%+

the strawing on the trigger, disassembly latch ans safety is about 50%(I thought strawing stopped in 1937?)

the bore is excellent

the grips are clean and new looking

all serial nembers match ie "71"

I have the origional holster in very good condition wit the origional take down tool

thanks

Ron

03-19-2002, 06:22 PM

Thanks for taking time to provide so much detail. Unfortunately, some of the details raise more questions so some additional information may be needed. In particular, the marking 48 on extractor and Ã?Â¶n frame above s/n" are unusual. The only number on extractor should be last two digits of gun s/n (71). If it is a small 48, the extractor has been replaced post-manufacture. Second, 30 luger is a commercial caliber and all the German mil lugers of 1940 are 9mm. Look on underside of barrel and see what s/n is stamped there. Does it match the frame number? Also, the important part of the s/n is the script letter UNDER the digits stamped on front of the frame. That letter can be helpful. Finally, the script letter on magazine is actually a single letter, perhaps a w or u or something else. The value of a mil holster of ca 1940 is a bit less than for an unmarked commercial holster--the tool, if unmarked, is worth around $40.

A 30 luger with replacement parts has value around $350. If all original and an exotic 1940 Mauser commercial of some form with strawed parts, it could be a $3000+ luger. A little more infor would help to better id it.

dm

John Sabato · 03-19-2002, 06:40 PM

Sounds like a Mauser Banner Commercial Luger to me and that probably explains the strawing rather than blued small parts...after 1937

What can you tell us about the origin of the Luger and how you got it? Did a relative bring it home from the war or was it purchased from a dealer or privately? Verifiable history can increase the guns value in some cases...

The gun should be SAFE when you can see the work "Gesichert" or when the lever is in the rear position, not forward as you have indicated.

The barrel should be measured from the end of the muzzle to the face of the breechblock. Measured this way it may actually be 4 inches long... please verify this.

Is the holster strap sewn to the holster body and the loose end attaches to a stud on the flap, or is there a buckle arrangement like a standard military Luger holster?

Do you have the spare magazine and is it also a match to the serial number?

Is there a suffix to the serial number (appears as a lower case alpha character below the serial number on the front of the grip frame) or is there no suffix letter? The suffix letter is an integral part of the Luger serial number. There are examples posted in the technical information page of this site. The link is on your left.

Is there anything stamped into the inside of the plastic grips? or are they smooth on the inside?

Is there any design on the outer surface of the grips except checkering? for instance is there an uncheckered border around the checkering? If so, how wide is that border?

are you certain that the caliber is .30?

Post the answers to these questions and members of the Lugerforum can come up with a good idea of your Luger's value. If you have the ability to post clear photographs or even scans of your luger (both sides and the top), that would also be very helpful in assessing the value..

Once again, welcome... I would recommend that you read the Forum Decorum document (link at the top of the discussion board page under the big words:Message Board on the gray strip) to familiarize yourself with the use of this site.

It is always great to have new folks drop by. You are also invited to open a user profile (Link also at the top of the discussion board page) as this will lock your userID so that no one can post using the name you have chosen... it also entitles you to post your photo in the Rogues Gallery, and photos of your Lugers in the Owner's corner...

regards,

John Sabato

Ron · 03-19-2002, 08:26 PM

the extractor has a small 48 on the left side. The number 71 is the same as the number on the other parts of the gun

I assumed that it is a 30 luger since there were 30 luger shells with the gun ( How can I determine the exact calibur?)

the barrel s/n is the same as the frame s/n

there is NO script letter under the s/n on the frame only the 48 above the s/n

the barrel is actually 3 7/8 inches from the breachblock to the muzzle

the strap on the holster is sewn with buckle arrangement

stamped in ink inside the holster flap is the number 23 two times about 1/2 inch in height

the spare magazine has a different s/n from the gun

the checkering on the grip goes all the way to the edge. There is NO border

For some reason the "Forum Decorum Document Button" does not completely show up on my web page so I cannot upen it. Could someone send me a copy to ro@pgba.org

This gun was shipped from Germany by my brother in the early 40's. It was not unpacked until after the war. The gun was encased in "cosmoline", wrapped in brown paper and sealed in a wooded box. Another brother who helped my olders brother unpack and clean the gun thinks that this was the origional manufactors box but we have no way of rally knowing

Ron · 03-19-2002, 09:01 PM

the handles are NOT plastic. they are walnut there is no marking inside the handle

Orv Reichert · 03-19-2002, 09:42 PM

This is the only one that makes sense....even to the less than 100mm barrel!

See Kenyon Page 280

Orv Reichert

Johnny Peppers · 03-19-2002, 09:55 PM

I believe the 1940 date rules out the Swedish contract as well as the barrel length. The Swedish contract pistols were in the v suffix block.

Did we ever determine if it was 7.65 or 9mm?

Orv Reichert · 03-19-2002, 10:16 PM

Here is the example from the book

the description fits, too....straw..1940 date...30 cal..barrel 3-7/8" the SN reported are differnet and they all had a 'w' suffix, it said. in the 7000 range but VERY FEW reported at the time?

Orv Reichert

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/1940Swedish.jpg

Johnny Peppers · 03-19-2002, 10:22 PM

The thought just occurred to me, but when you indicate the #48 on the receiver and breechblock are you indicating the number of the proof in the technical section, or the actual number 48?

If it is the proof shown as number 48 in the Technical Info, I am betting is is just a commercial Mauser. Does the barrel have noticeably more shine than the receiver, as these pistols had a rust blued frame and a salt blued barrel with strawed small parts.

Johnny Peppers · 03-19-2002, 10:37 PM

As the Kal.7.65 marking is so distinctive on the barrel of the 1940 Swedish contract, I didn't think he would miss that. I guess if you are new to Lugers, the caliber marking might not be noteworthy.

Ron · 03-19-2002, 11:17 PM

the 48 is the proof shown as number 48 in the Technical Info

ron

John Sabato · 03-20-2002, 11:03 AM

Hi John

There is definately no caliber marking on the left side of the barrel. Will try to get some better pictures online tomorrow. We no longer have the box

Thor · 03-20-2002, 11:40 AM

Left side receiver above serial number looks like an EAGLE over L or C or F, but that would NOT be consistent with the strawed parts or magazine. Curios what that marking is? ~Thor~

Thor · 03-20-2002, 11:47 AM

OOPS...I know see the reference to #48 proof in previous messages, sorry I didnt read that first! ~Thor~

Orv Reichert · 03-20-2002, 01:16 PM

It is a commercial gun:

Note the following

er Kenyon Page 280

3-7/8 barrel

.30 cal

No P08 on left frame

E/N commercial proofs

Mixed blue parts [both rust & salt]

Strawed small parts

Again, very few known....all may not have gone to Sweden?

Ron · 03-20-2002, 04:50 PM

it is an eagle over an " N "

Ron

Thor · 03-20-2002, 05:20 PM

Sorry, I saw that earlier, my mistake! An interesting variation for sure! Thor

Ron · 03-21-2002, 12:03 PM

Didcovered more information

there is a letter E stamped onthe frame under the left handle

The back of the holster has this inscription

HANS DEUTER

1939

UCS?URO

"Eagle with swatsza under it"

W?A36

.

I have sent John some pitures since the server would not allow me to upload

Thanks for all the ideas that have already come

ron

03-21-2002, 12:50 PM

Ron, Castonzo's WOL Proofmarks book page 416 show several know serial numbers from 6669w to 6781w with the same features as yours, being Sweden 7.65mm 1940 dated commerical contract pistols. Tom h.

03-19-2002, 05:23 PM	#1
Ron User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Vlaue of Luger I have a 1940 Mauser luger serial # 6671 and would like some idea of the value. Any response will be appreciated Toggle inscription: Mauser Chanber inscription: 1940 Toggle Knob:squared grip safety: no Stock lug: yes Caliber: 30 luger grip: brown plastic with no insignia thumb safey: safe when forward - groves on safety markings: # 48 on frame above serial nember Barrel 3 3/4 inch marking on extractor: # 48 sights: Fron sight can be moved left or right - back of front sight is "stepped" Magazine bottom: aluminium same seriel number as gun has an "io" in script not block print the bluing is 95%+ the strawing on the trigger, disassembly latch ans safety is about 50%(I thought strawing stopped in 1937?) the bore is excellent the grips are clean and new looking all serial nembers match ie "71" I have the origional holster in very good condition wit the origional take down tool thanks Ron

03-19-2002, 06:22 PM	#2
mlm Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Vlaue of Luger Thanks for taking time to provide so much detail. Unfortunately, some of the details raise more questions so some additional information may be needed. In particular, the marking 48 on extractor and Ã?Â¶n frame above s/n" are unusual. The only number on extractor should be last two digits of gun s/n (71). If it is a small 48, the extractor has been replaced post-manufacture. Second, 30 luger is a commercial caliber and all the German mil lugers of 1940 are 9mm. Look on underside of barrel and see what s/n is stamped there. Does it match the frame number? Also, the important part of the s/n is the script letter UNDER the digits stamped on front of the frame. That letter can be helpful. Finally, the script letter on magazine is actually a single letter, perhaps a w or u or something else. The value of a mil holster of ca 1940 is a bit less than for an unmarked commercial holster--the tool, if unmarked, is worth around $40. A 30 luger with replacement parts has value around $350. If all original and an exotic 1940 Mauser commercial of some form with strawed parts, it could be a $3000+ luger. A little more infor would help to better id it. dm

03-19-2002, 06:40 PM	#3
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,153 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Welcome to the Lugerforum Ron! Sounds like a Mauser Banner Commercial Luger to me and that probably explains the strawing rather than blued small parts...after 1937 What can you tell us about the origin of the Luger and how you got it? Did a relative bring it home from the war or was it purchased from a dealer or privately? Verifiable history can increase the guns value in some cases... The gun should be SAFE when you can see the work "Gesichert" or when the lever is in the rear position, not forward as you have indicated. The barrel should be measured from the end of the muzzle to the face of the breechblock. Measured this way it may actually be 4 inches long... please verify this. Is the holster strap sewn to the holster body and the loose end attaches to a stud on the flap, or is there a buckle arrangement like a standard military Luger holster? Do you have the spare magazine and is it also a match to the serial number? Is there a suffix to the serial number (appears as a lower case alpha character below the serial number on the front of the grip frame) or is there no suffix letter? The suffix letter is an integral part of the Luger serial number. There are examples posted in the technical information page of this site. The link is on your left. Is there anything stamped into the inside of the plastic grips? or are they smooth on the inside? Is there any design on the outer surface of the grips except checkering? for instance is there an uncheckered border around the checkering? If so, how wide is that border? are you certain that the caliber is .30? Post the answers to these questions and members of the Lugerforum can come up with a good idea of your Luger's value. If you have the ability to post clear photographs or even scans of your luger (both sides and the top), that would also be very helpful in assessing the value.. Once again, welcome... I would recommend that you read the Forum Decorum document (link at the top of the discussion board page under the big words:Message Board on the gray strip) to familiarize yourself with the use of this site. It is always great to have new folks drop by. You are also invited to open a user profile (Link also at the top of the discussion board page) as this will lock your userID so that no one can post using the name you have chosen... it also entitles you to post your photo in the Rogues Gallery, and photos of your Lugers in the Owner's corner... regards, John Sabato

03-19-2002, 09:01 PM	#5
Ron User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: OOPS! more information about the luger the handles are NOT plastic. they are walnut there is no marking inside the handle

03-19-2002, 09:42 PM	#6
Orv Reichert RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1940 Swedish Contract Commercial This is the only one that makes sense....even to the less than 100mm barrel! See Kenyon Page 280 Orv Reichert

03-19-2002, 08:26 PM	#4
Ron User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	more information about the luger the extractor has a small 48 on the left side. The number 71 is the same as the number on the other parts of the gun I assumed that it is a 30 luger since there were 30 luger shells with the gun ( How can I determine the exact calibur?) the barrel s/n is the same as the frame s/n there is NO script letter under the s/n on the frame only the 48 above the s/n the barrel is actually 3 7/8 inches from the breachblock to the muzzle the strap on the holster is sewn with buckle arrangement stamped in ink inside the holster flap is the number 23 two times about 1/2 inch in height the spare magazine has a different s/n from the gun the checkering on the grip goes all the way to the edge. There is NO border For some reason the "Forum Decorum Document Button" does not completely show up on my web page so I cannot upen it. Could someone send me a copy to ro@pgba.org This gun was shipped from Germany by my brother in the early 40's. It was not unpacked until after the war. The gun was encased in "cosmoline", wrapped in brown paper and sealed in a wooded box. Another brother who helped my olders brother unpack and clean the gun thinks that this was the origional manufactors box but we have no way of rally knowing

03-19-2002, 09:55 PM	#7
Johnny Peppers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Calion, Arkansas Posts: 1,042 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: 1940 Swedish Contract Commercial I believe the 1940 date rules out the Swedish contract as well as the barrel length. The Swedish contract pistols were in the v suffix block. Did we ever determine if it was 7.65 or 9mm?

03-19-2002, 10:16 PM	#8
Orv Reichert RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1940 swede Here is the example from the book the description fits, too....straw..1940 date...30 cal..barrel 3-7/8" the SN reported are differnet and they all had a 'w' suffix, it said. in the 7000 range but VERY FEW reported at the time? Orv Reichert http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/1940Swedish.jpg

03-19-2002, 10:22 PM	#9
Johnny Peppers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Calion, Arkansas Posts: 1,042 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: 1940 Swedish Contract Commercial The thought just occurred to me, but when you indicate the #48 on the receiver and breechblock are you indicating the number of the proof in the technical section, or the actual number 48? If it is the proof shown as number 48 in the Technical Info, I am betting is is just a commercial Mauser. Does the barrel have noticeably more shine than the receiver, as these pistols had a rust blued frame and a salt blued barrel with strawed small parts.

03-19-2002, 10:37 PM	#10
Johnny Peppers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Calion, Arkansas Posts: 1,042 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: 1940 swede As the Kal.7.65 marking is so distinctive on the barrel of the 1940 Swedish contract, I didn't think he would miss that. I guess if you are new to Lugers, the caliber marking might not be noteworthy.

03-19-2002, 11:17 PM	#11
Ron User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1940 Swedish Contract Commercial the 48 is the proof shown as number 48 in the Technical Info ron

03-20-2002, 11:03 AM	#12
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,153 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Photo of Ron's Luger Hi John There is definately no caliber marking on the left side of the barrel. Will try to get some better pictures online tomorrow. We no longer have the box

03-20-2002, 11:40 AM	#14
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Re: Photo of Ron's Luger Left side receiver above serial number looks like an EAGLE over L or C or F, but that would NOT be consistent with the strawed parts or magazine. Curios what that marking is? ~Thor~

03-20-2002, 11:47 AM	#15
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Re: Photo of Ron's Luger OOPS...I know see the reference to #48 proof in previous messages, sorry I didnt read that first! ~Thor~

03-20-2002, 01:16 PM	#16
Orv Reichert RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ron's Luger It is a commercial gun: Note the followinger Kenyon Page 280 3-7/8 barrel .30 cal No P08 on left frame E/N commercial proofs Mixed blue parts [both rust & salt] Strawed small parts Again, very few known....all may not have gone to Sweden?

03-20-2002, 04:50 PM	#17
Ron User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Photo of Ron's Luger it is an eagle over an " N " Ron

03-20-2002, 05:20 PM	#18
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Re: Photo of Ron's Luger Sorry, I saw that earlier, my mistake! An interesting variation for sure! Thor

03-21-2002, 12:03 PM	#19
Ron User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Ron's Luger Didcovered more information there is a letter E stamped onthe frame under the left handle The back of the holster has this inscription HANS DEUTER 1939 UCS?URO "Eagle with swatsza under it" W?A36 . I have sent John some pitures since the server would not allow me to upload Thanks for all the ideas that have already come ron

03-21-2002, 12:50 PM	#20
tom h Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Vlaue of Luger Ron, Castonzo's WOL Proofmarks book page 416 show several know serial numbers from 6669w to 6781w with the same features as yours, being Sweden 7.65mm 1940 dated commerical contract pistols. Tom h.