My Dad's WWII Luger...

[Piet]

Enoch,
Enjoy the ride, as these specialists will take you through the joy of owning a Luger. Maybe you can sell something else, like the dog or lawnmower?
Piet

[Enoch]

I've gotten quite a few PMs from people asking what I want for my Luger. Please bear in mind that I joined this forum and started this thread because I didn't (and still don't) know what it's worth. I need to feel comfortable in my knowledge as to its potential value before I'll even consider putting a price on it. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I'm only considering selling it. It's true that I'm not a firearms enthusiast as my dad was so I feel somewhat guilty keeping this when there are others better equipped to appreciate and care for it; the other side of that coin though is 1. I'm not desperate for money (I could use some right now but I'm not desperate) 2. The gun is likely to appreciate in value as time goes on (right?). 3. My dad loved this gun and for that reason it's going to be very difficult to part with.

I'd really appreciate it if an expert who has no interest in purchasing the gun would give me a ballpark range as to a fair value and, more importantly, please tell me a little about this guns history. What does 1937 S/42 mean? Is 1937 its date of manufacture? What do those stamps on the body and barrel reveal? George Anderson was kind enough to identify the barrel stamp as "an early Nazi era firing proof." What do the others tell me? I'd really appreciate any historic information that anyone may be willing to share. Should I provide more pictures? No problem just let me know what pictures are needed. I'm very grateful for any and all efforts at assistance.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by Enoch

...My dad loved this gun and for that reason itâ??s going to be very difficult to part with...

I had the same sentiment about a 16ga Ithaca Mod 37 pump my dad gave me for my 16th birthday...When I went overseas in '70, I loaned it to my best friend to use while I was gone...It was stolen... He bought me a brand new one when I finally got home, but it wasn't the same...I sold that one to another friend when I quit hunting...

Now I have another Ithaca Mod 37 in 12ga, made the same year I was born [1949], but again...it's not the same...Now, whenever I see a 16ga Mod 37 at a gun show, I check it out...I'd gladly pay the going rate to have my dad's gift back again...

... ...

[Zamo]

Don't sell it. There are better ways to come up with cash. Sell the dog, sell the girlfriend...
Once it's gone, it will NEVER come back. Would your Dad approve of your selling it for whatever reason you need the quick cash? Do you have any children that might one day think it's pretty cool? This is a family heirloom from a time in history that now belongs to the ages. They aren't making any more of these.
If you're determined to sell, put it on Gunbroker with a $1500 reserve. It probably won't fetch much more than that, but these days, it's robbery to give one up for less, unless it has mismatched parts, or serious blemishes, rust, pitting, etc.
Again, I don't think you should sell it. Ten years from now, you may be flush with money, and you may actually go out and buy another Luger...but you'll pay much more, and get less, and it won't be "Dad's".