Matched shooter and other questions

[Kyrie]

Hi Dave,


Generally speaking, a Luger must be all original (as indicated by matching numbers) except for the magazine, unaltered, not be refinished, and have at least 60% remaining original blue to have collector value.


A â??matched shooterâ?� is a Luger with all its original parts and has been refinished, or has less than 60% blue, or has been altered in some way.


â??Matching magâ?� means the serial number on the magazine matches the serial number on the frame.


If the description does not say, â??matchingâ?�, assume the Luger is not matching.


Manufacturer generally has no effect on a Lugerâ??s value, unless the manufacturer made very few Lugers. Then the scarcity of the Luger variation drives up the collector value of the Luger.


It is not unheard of to buy a matching, original finish, Luger from a dealer for under $700 - but such pistols are usually right at the borderline between shooter and collector (about 60% original finish). Every now and then one can find a real bargain (I bought a 99%+ original blue, matching, 1940 dated, 42 coded, Luger with an excellent condition Portuguese M2 holster from a dealer for $600); but it doesnâ??t happen often!


Hope this helps!


Best regards,


Kyrie