1940 P-08 - Inherited Luger from my father

[Tinplatejeff]

I have been lurking on the forum since August, but thanks to the blizzard here in the Midwest I have finally had time to get pictures of my father's P-08 taken. First I want to say what an amazing forum this is, I'm an active collector of many things and this is hands down one of, if not, the best forums I've come across. I've learned a lot about P-08s and how to photograph them. I purchased a light box and used my Panasonic FZ40 camera. I'm still a novice at photography, but I hope you all will find the pictures satisfactorily. If anyone needs more detail of a specific area/marking on the gun, please let me know and I'll add it.

First the history of the P-08 as I know it. My father purchased it on Feb. 9, 1985 (I have the original receipt) from Gambles Hardware store in a nearby town here in Indiana. The P-08 was acquired by the store from the WW2 veteran that brought the gun back. I have his name and address, but no idea if he is still living or not. The P-08 came with two magazines and a 1915 dated holster. My father paid $465.00 for the P-08, mags and holster.

I went to the gun range with my father several times with the P-08 back in the 1980s and early 1990s. He always wanted a Luger and was so happy to have gotten one. It shot great most of the time, jammed a few times, and was the first handgun I ever shot. It has immeasurable sentimental value to me.

I would like to know the opinions of it and details of where it was made, it appears to be all matching as best as I can tell. What grade is it? What about the finish, original? Percent remaining?

The holster, I have no idea why a 1940 gun came with a 1915 holster. Was this common during the WW2? The holster is in poor condition, opinions of it? Should I post the pictures of it in the Holster area of the forum? Thanks in advance I look forward to feedback from all of you.

[Tinplatejeff]

More pictures ...

[Tinplatejeff]

Still more ...

[Tinplatejeff]

Last ones, the 1915 holster ...

[DavidJayUden]

Nice gun and congratulations! The gun appears to be honest and unmolested. It was mfg. by Mauser. The bluing is a bit thin, showing that it has been used. I see no problems and it is a very nice looking piece.
How it got into a 1915 holster is anyone's guess, no rhyme or reason.
dju

[Edward Tinker]

looks nice to me too

Jerry burney can fix your holster lid if you'd like

[Tinplatejeff]

Thanks for the nice comments.

What % of blue would people say it has?

What would the insurance value be for it?

[Tony Min]

Looks nice. Finish is nice but maybe a little overpolished and thin on the frame. Probably worth $1500

[Tinplatejeff]

Advice as far as shooting it or not?

[mrerick]

Some of these came out of the factory with thinner bluing. I have a 1939 that looks positively translucent...

I would think insurance of $1500 minimum if all matching and at least 90% finish coverage. Your frame may be more worn than that. Look at one of the online dealer sites for approximate retail values.

Jerry Burney on this board can repair your holster, and you should consider having him do that work. It would be worth $300 or so.

I never shoot collectable Lugers. Your results may vary... See the "posts of regret" here. If you want to shoot one, get a non-matching or refinished one.

[Tinplatejeff]

Every part that I looked at when I field stripped it had the matching 15 number on it. Is it worth doing a full disassembly? Should I take off the grips?

[Tinplatejeff]

Also, obviously the magazines don't match, but are they the correct era/manufacturer? What do the marks on them mean? I'd love to find the correct magazine someday. Anybody have the guns my mags go into?

[Sergio Natali]

Congratulations it looks like a good collectible and genuine gun.

[Tony Min]

I shoot all my guns. It is a personal choice. They are not made of chocolate but parts are old and a numbered part can break and be next to impossible to replace with a part numbered the same.
That said, if it brings you closer to your father to shoot it you might. If it is more important to keep the gun like it is today, don't. Rare irreplaceable ones should not be shot.
Nobody is a moron for making this personal decision...
For me shooting them gives me tremendous pleasure. Worth every penny it might cost me.

[Sergio Natali]

Originally Posted by Tony Min

I shoot all my guns. It is a personal choice. They are not made of chocolate but parts are old and a numbered part can break and be next to impossible to replace with a part numbered the same.
That said, if it brings you closer to your father to shoot it you might. If it is more important to keep the gun like it is today, don't. Rare irreplaceable ones should not be shot.
Nobody is a moron for making this personal decision...
For me shooting them gives me tremendous pleasure. Worth every penny it might cost me.

Absolutely well said, I completely agree 100%

[Mike Z]

Congratulations
Looks Great To Me
Mike Z.

[Tinplatejeff]

I was able to send my 1915 holster to Jerry Burney. Instead of having him repair it I was able to work out a trade with him for a 1940 holster to match my 1940 Mauser. I received it this week, I'm very happy with it, thanks Jerry!

[rhuff]

Now THAT is a marriage made in Heaven.......Congrats!!

[Tinplatejeff]

Yes it is, thanks!

Now I just need a takedown tool with the eagle over 655 stamp on it.

If anybody has one available let me know.

[my66coupe]

Thanks for sharing. My 1940/42 luger came home in a 1913 stamped holster. Has the vets name and army serial number written on the inside.