luger

[Maestro]

here's an excellent response:

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

Darius,
These Mauser commemorative Lugers are a specific collector’s niche. They are like the Colts, Winchesters and Smith & Wesson commemoratives that are still in production. They appeal to some individuals but do not represent any changes in firearm evolution. They are “dolled up” to be attractive and create a collecting category. They do not appreciate substantially in value. Some variations do have more interest and increase in value, but for the most part the cost stays pretty flat.

I think the commemorative Lugers have some potential for increasing value since they are well made and were not made in huge numbers. However, I do not think that in the long run they will enjoy the status of original Lugers. The Cartridge Counter is one of the more desirable variations as they are readily identifiable with perhaps one of the most desirable icons of early Luger development. The 80s example looks like a Cartridge Counter but the resemblance is largely cosmetic. The barrel configuration is unique to this model and therefore it stands out from other variations. The toggle knobs are just standard knobs that have been “dished” by machining away a portion of the rear of the knob and do not have the toggle lock on the right side. Also, the breech block is of the modern type and not the early breech block with a one piece extractor like an original. The magazine and grips do not function exactly as the original version did but they look very similar and are attractive.

I do not follow the market on these commemorative Lugers so I am a poor judge of value. From what I have seen, these nicely cased examples do fetch higher sales price, probably topping out around the $4000 mark (the cased Navy perhaps a little higher). But the market is really variable and like everything else the prices go up and down depending on the general state of the economy.

The piece on RIA is very nice and may be a good investment at the low end of the estimated value range, but I would not be purchasing it expecting a quick turnaround for profit. It would make a nice show piece for a collection but the value will increase slower than original Lugers. Just my opinion and I could be way off. Hope this helps.
Ron