First Luger Buy "almost" completed - but concerns

Jon N · 03-20-2016, 05:31 PM

Hello, I am new to the Forum and from what I have seen I am very glad I joined up!!! I am hoping to close the deal on my first Luger, a 1940 Code 42 this evening. I have some pics but I am technologically challenged so will attempt to describe the condition and list my concerns.
It is an almost identical piece to the one posted by Tinplatejeff on 3/3/16. It has about 60 percent original finish, all matching numbers including the magazine. 4-digit serial no. It has a holster but not date correct, extra non-numbers mag and a takedown tool. Bore is bright but pitted.
My neighbor inherited it from his father in law about 30 years ago. He apparently bought it from a friend but I don't know any more about the history. My major concern is that I cannot verify the ownership or if it may have been stolen... I very much doubt it but won't have any paper trail to prove ownership, it will be a handshake deal. He thinks his father in law had it for many years so I strongly suspect that it is a legit bring-back, but it will be an expensive gamble. Can anyone please give me some guidance as it is my first such purchase. I have my Uncle's 1911 from WWII but I know the history, not so with this leap of faith. But it appears to be a bargain so I don't want to miss it if the risk is acceptable. Thanks for any help!!!!

03-20-2016, 05:31 PM	#1
Jon N User Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	First Luger Buy "almost" completed - but concerns Hello, I am new to the Forum and from what I have seen I am very glad I joined up!!! I am hoping to close the deal on my first Luger, a 1940 Code 42 this evening. I have some pics but I am technologically challenged so will attempt to describe the condition and list my concerns. It is an almost identical piece to the one posted by Tinplatejeff on 3/3/16. It has about 60 percent original finish, all matching numbers including the magazine. 4-digit serial no. It has a holster but not date correct, extra non-numbers mag and a takedown tool. Bore is bright but pitted. My neighbor inherited it from his father in law about 30 years ago. He apparently bought it from a friend but I don't know any more about the history. My major concern is that I cannot verify the ownership or if it may have been stolen... I very much doubt it but won't have any paper trail to prove ownership, it will be a handshake deal. He thinks his father in law had it for many years so I strongly suspect that it is a legit bring-back, but it will be an expensive gamble. Can anyone please give me some guidance as it is my first such purchase. I have my Uncle's 1911 from WWII but I know the history, not so with this leap of faith. But it appears to be a bargain so I don't want to miss it if the risk is acceptable. Thanks for any help!!!!