1914 erfurt artillery value?

Big Norm · 10-30-2006, 01:18 AM

The above advice is good, but I would do some research on prices first. The sellers comment about this arty being worth $2000 doesn't count. He has a vested interest in the sale of this gun. If your instincts tell you that that the serial numbers don't look right, then assume that you are correct and you should take a walk. Mistakes on Lugers can be very expensive. There will be other artilleries, so don't be in a hurry. Watch the FGS and Simpson websites to get the hang of prices and quality. Both these dealers prices are on the high side, but their Lugers are pretty good. Then watch the various websites such as gunbroker or auctionarms and their price ranges. It won't be long before you feel confident with your offer on an artillery.

Look at other Lugers (not just artilleries) and become familiar with serial number lettering sizes. Altering serial numbers on Lugers is common. Watch for locations of the serial numbers. I believe that a 1914 Erfurt artillery will have a two digit serial number on the base of the front top blade sight (left side). The rear sight should have a two digit serial number on three different visable locations. (On the side of the slider, on the rear of the rear blade and on the distance marker).

The fact that the magazines fall out while shooting the gun tells me that maybe something is wrong with the magazine catch. Maybe you are getting a message that other things are wrong with this particular weapon. I don't think that $2000 is an acceptible price for what may be a restored shooter.
Big Norm
___________________
Reality is eternal punishment for a perfectionist.

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10-30-2006, 01:18 AM	#4
Big Norm RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 1,864 Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	The above advice is good, but I would do some research on prices first. The sellers comment about this arty being worth $2000 doesn't count. He has a vested interest in the sale of this gun. If your instincts tell you that that the serial numbers don't look right, then assume that you are correct and you should take a walk. Mistakes on Lugers can be very expensive. There will be other artilleries, so don't be in a hurry. Watch the FGS and Simpson websites to get the hang of prices and quality. Both these dealers prices are on the high side, but their Lugers are pretty good. Then watch the various websites such as gunbroker or auctionarms and their price ranges. It won't be long before you feel confident with your offer on an artillery. Look at other Lugers (not just artilleries) and become familiar with serial number lettering sizes. Altering serial numbers on Lugers is common. Watch for locations of the serial numbers. I believe that a 1914 Erfurt artillery will have a two digit serial number on the base of the front top blade sight (left side). The rear sight should have a two digit serial number on three different visable locations. (On the side of the slider, on the rear of the rear blade and on the distance marker). The fact that the magazines fall out while shooting the gun tells me that maybe something is wrong with the magazine catch. Maybe you are getting a message that other things are wrong with this particular weapon. I don't think that $2000 is an acceptible price for what may be a restored shooter. Big Norm ___________________ Reality is eternal punishment for a perfectionist.