S Krieghoff vaue

[Paul R.]

Help!! this week I purchased an S series Krieghoff. Was represented to be 97% blue and 90% straw which is about right, good bore and very good grips. The price was $2950.00 It is matched with a matching renumbered magazine and a very nice looking gun. However I expect it has been reblued as the finish is much nicer than my other Lugers. It looks like it has been lightly glass or sand blasted in the recessed areas above the grips, below the toggle ramps and on top of the rails. As a result there are no tool or machine marks in these areas. This is the first Krieghoff I have ever layed eyes on. Did these Lugers have better finish than other lugers and any sand blasting? From the description what do you think the gun is worth? I have until Sat. to send it back.

Thanks for you input. Paul R.

[bill m]

Hi Paul,

I do not have an S code Krieghoff, but do have a 1937 and a 1940, which are both complete 2 matching magazine rigs in original condition. Yes, I think Krieghoff did have a better finish on them, and the area above the grips does have the rougher, sanded kinda look that you speak of. The toggle, barrel, and receiver are very higly polished and have a very glossy blue finish which is different than the Mausers. Krieghoff's are expensive as they only made about 12,000 total. As far as the value goes, is all I can say is that nice guns bring a premium and are hard to find.

[Patrick]

... sounds as if you�´ve already found the answer. BUT (just to mention a possible alternative), Krieghoff did use surplus parts and also re-worked Lugers. So it could have been one of these. Krieghoffs usually are quite well made. Patrock

Paul, In this price range your should certainly know what you are looking at, because a restored S code KH would not be worth top dollar. The renumbered mag comment bothers me. Perhaps you should post what area you are in and phone number. I'm sure that another experienced Forum member in your area, would be willing to give your his opinion. A good rule of thumb is "when in doubt, don't".

[John D.]

A couple of comments...


- First, there are three variations of the "S" code to HK collectors. Each series has a different value and the variations occur in either the toggle stamp used and/or the acceptance markings. Further - even in the Mid-S, grip types can vary (wood or Ritzmann), markings and proofs on small parts can vary, etc. If this is a "Mid - S" (est. production of 500), then the price you paid is very good given the represented condition. If it is an Early S or Late-S variation, then the price is a little on the high side..


- On the "renumbered" mag - some of the "S" mags look like they were "renumbered". Well - a few were - by HK.! However, the stamp used should be the same "typeface" used on the small parts & there should be a LWAa acceptance mark on the mag base as well (and it should be the proper mag type for that period). To tell - you'd have to post some photos of the mag base in good quality.


- As for the finish the areas you state look "glass or sand blasted.." - this is normal HK production (NOT on re-works of 1920/3 commercials, however!). However, one of the tell-tale signs of refinishing is to look for the "thumbprint" just above the lanyard lug. This slightly darker area looks like a "thumbprint" as it was flame hardened by HK. Most refinished HKs do NOT have that area. Based on your description - I'll bet'cha your's does have that thumbprint...


- As for the overall finish - yes, the early production HKs had an excellent finish, but started dropping off in the 1943 production year. However, it is not uncommon to find that an original finish HK Luger will have some VERY SLIGHT PLUM colors on the various parts even in the early models - especially around the toggle knobs and the extractor. That's normal for HK...


If you would like to contact me off-line, my e-mail is on this message. I'd need the serial number, grip type and a very GOOD description of the "dagger/anchor" toggle marking (overall placement, how the "S" and "L" line up under the anchor, and some small parts markings) to help you out further.


Sounds like you have an excellent HK, though!!


Hope this helps...


John D.




http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/thumbp.jpg

[John Sabato]

I was going to send him to you John if you didn't chime in.

[John D.]

Rarely does someone ask a question that I can help with - unless it's about Krieg's..

[Frank]

[John Sabato]

to chime in...