1917 Erfurt

[Marvin]

Johnny,


Boy, you said a mouthful! I agree it is up to the individual what they want/afford to collect. If I want a Luger and can only afford an import, that's OK, If I can afford the high dollar Lugers, that's great, If I can afford the intermediate priced Lugers, that great also! I buy what I like and can afford myself. Some of my pistols are very nice in 95-98% condition. I also have a couple that are only in the 65-70% condition, but to me, these are the real Lugers that saw action from a front line soldier for a number of years. The 98% Lugers I own probably never left the holster very often and never saw action.


As to the import marked dip blued Lugers; these pistols have a history that is unequaled by most other Lugers. As I have stated many time, these pistols are probably more historically significant because they came from the Russian Front where the fighting was intense, and you can probably figure that they were definetly used against the Commies! Then they were captured and stored for years until the Russian needed money. No one should feel they are "second class" Luger collectors for having the import pistols!


My first Luger is a 1936, with approx. 65% blue and beginning to turn brown. This is an all matching pistol with a 1936 holster. The leather holding the buckle is torn away from use and the buckle missing. No, this is not a "collectible" Luger, but to me, I can imagine the soldier wearing this rig for many years of good times and bad times. What has this "uncollectible" been through and what stories it could tell. It holds a very important spot in my collection.


Marvin