1938 s/42 luger

steve@jaggerauctioneers · 10-07-2019, 10:16 AM

I have a marked 1938 S/42 Luger with matching showing serial numbers. I think that this is a pre war Mauser mfg Luger. My main question is that it has an importers mark on the barrel and I am not sure how bad that hurts the value or what the rough value of this pistol might be. Thanks in advance for any info from the experts.

wlyon · 10-07-2019, 12:51 PM

Your luger has Russian Capture grips. The mag is numbered #1 which is police type designation. For me the importer marks hurts it considerably. How much I'm sure is a matter of opinion. Would make a very good shooter but not in a collectible category. Later lugers like this are sought after for shooters. But prices are well below a collectible one. Enjoy it for what it is. Bill

Doubs · 10-07-2019, 01:03 PM

The grips are East German VoPo; not Russian capture. VoPo means "Volks Poleizi" or People's Police. The grips are commonly called "bulls eye" grips and were made post-war by the East Germans.

The matching magazine is likely post-war East German manufacture. Typically Police magazines were numbered 1 & 2. Check the markings on the mag body.

While the import markings will lower collector value somewhat, the East German VoPo Lugers have increased in value in recent years and if the pistol is all matching - no forced matched parts - then it will be worth more than just shooter value.

wlyon · 10-08-2019, 12:25 AM

Doubs
You are right on the grips . My mistake. Bill

DonVoigt · 10-08-2019, 10:24 AM

I've seen these sell for $800 to $1400.

10-07-2019, 12:51 PM	#2
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,673 Thanks: 3,243 Thanked 2,658 Times in 988 Posts	Your luger has Russian Capture grips. The mag is numbered #1 which is police type designation. For me the importer marks hurts it considerably. How much I'm sure is a matter of opinion. Would make a very good shooter but not in a collectible category. Later lugers like this are sought after for shooters. But prices are well below a collectible one. Enjoy it for what it is. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

10-08-2019, 12:25 AM	#4
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,673 Thanks: 3,243 Thanked 2,658 Times in 988 Posts	Doubs You are right on the grips . My mistake. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

10-08-2019, 10:24 AM	#5
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,443 Thanked 4,356 Times in 2,041 Posts	I've seen these sell for $800 to $1400. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

10-07-2019, 01:03 PM	#3
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,742 Thanks: 826 Thanked 1,787 Times in 590 Posts	The grips are East German VoPo; not Russian capture. VoPo means "Volks Poleizi" or People's Police. The grips are commonly called "bulls eye" grips and were made post-war by the East Germans. The matching magazine is likely post-war East German manufacture. Typically Police magazines were numbered 1 & 2. Check the markings on the mag body. While the import markings will lower collector value somewhat, the East German VoPo Lugers have increased in value in recent years and if the pistol is all matching - no forced matched parts - then it will be worth more than just shooter value.