M1906 Russian Luger - The Ending of its Identity

Imperial Arms · 11-02-2009, 12:17 PM

Hello James,

The 'Russian Luger' would usually be worth more than a (M1900/03) Bulgarian Luger because Russia was once recognized as an adversary of the US and this notion made it more desirable and valuable. Now that the identity of the ‘Russian Luger’ is on ‘life support’ and it is being considered as another Bulgarian variation, I suppose that its importance will change, but I cannot determine in what direction. In some cases, the limited mentality of some collectors will see Bulgaria as a country of less importance and prestige than compared to Russia, and this factor can have a bearing on value.

Collecting has so any invisible forces and it is not a matter of simple economics (i.e. supply and demand) which determines value. My guess of only 300 M1908 Bulgarian Infantry Officers Lugers delivered to Bulgaria is only an estimate based on those Lugers delivered to Portugal in 1907-08. I still consider this Luger very rare with an incredible history behind it (more exciting than the previous ‘Russian theories’ in my opinion), and I believe that its value will be unaffected. In my personal preference, I love those Lugers with strong history instead of those Lugers based on mystery and ‘catchy’ names. We all know that ‘politics’ and money plays a game in the collectors club (including the business side with auction houses), so we will need to wait and see what happens when the next ‘Russian Lugers’ appear for sale.

My next difficult task will be to research the Bulgarian archive records to determine if there is any account of these specific pistols.

Thank you for your questions and input.

Albert

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11-02-2009, 12:17 PM	#11
Imperial Arms Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Malta, EU Posts: 579 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Hello James, The 'Russian Luger' would usually be worth more than a (M1900/03) Bulgarian Luger because Russia was once recognized as an adversary of the US and this notion made it more desirable and valuable. Now that the identity of the ‘Russian Luger’ is on ‘life support’ and it is being considered as another Bulgarian variation, I suppose that its importance will change, but I cannot determine in what direction. In some cases, the limited mentality of some collectors will see Bulgaria as a country of less importance and prestige than compared to Russia, and this factor can have a bearing on value. Collecting has so any invisible forces and it is not a matter of simple economics (i.e. supply and demand) which determines value. My guess of only 300 M1908 Bulgarian Infantry Officers Lugers delivered to Bulgaria is only an estimate based on those Lugers delivered to Portugal in 1907-08. I still consider this Luger very rare with an incredible history behind it (more exciting than the previous ‘Russian theories’ in my opinion), and I believe that its value will be unaffected. In my personal preference, I love those Lugers with strong history instead of those Lugers based on mystery and ‘catchy’ names. We all know that ‘politics’ and money plays a game in the collectors club (including the business side with auction houses), so we will need to wait and see what happens when the next ‘Russian Lugers’ appear for sale. My next difficult task will be to research the Bulgarian archive records to determine if there is any account of these specific pistols. Thank you for your questions and input. Albert