Need Help. New Luger Owner.

mrerick · 09-27-2011, 10:50 PM

Hi Rhys, and welcome to the forum.

You have a superb beauty of a Luger there. Congratulations. In it's high state and original finish it is very collectible. Collectors look for all matching Lugers that are as close to original factory state as possible, and it looks like you have one there.

This style, with the bakelite grips and magazine base, were marketed as "Black Widow" Lugers by Ralph Shattuck over many years. It was a "marketing" name, but now is commonly recognized.

It is not a good idea to keep it stored in it's holster because chemicals used to tan the leather can eventually damage the finish and lead to pitting corrosion.

Also, consider not firing an all matching gun since a great deal of it's collector value is lost if a part is broken or lost.

Marc

09-27-2011, 10:50 PM	#7
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,925 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,139 Times in 1,520 Posts	Hi Rhys, and welcome to the forum. You have a superb beauty of a Luger there. Congratulations. In it's high state and original finish it is very collectible. Collectors look for all matching Lugers that are as close to original factory state as possible, and it looks like you have one there. This style, with the bakelite grips and magazine base, were marketed as "Black Widow" Lugers by Ralph Shattuck over many years. It was a "marketing" name, but now is commonly recognized. It is not a good idea to keep it stored in it's holster because chemicals used to tan the leather can eventually damage the finish and lead to pitting corrosion. Also, consider not firing an all matching gun since a great deal of it's collector value is lost if a part is broken or lost. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.