Can someone help me value this Luger? (possibly my first)

[stcappelli]

Originally Posted by alanint

Hi Sam,

Import mark is usually, but not always, under the barrel. I have also seem them in or around the frame rails. Look for scrub marks or dishing in case someone tried to remove the mark. We still don't know what the toggle marks are , (BYF? 42? S/42?).

If you watch a dissasembly video beforehand on youtube, you should be able to take it apart and see if internals, (firing pin, main toggle axle, holdopen, etc. ) match the rest of the gun.

In general, the gun is worth the asking price, but I would still find reasons to get it down to $600, so that you can have one of the guys here refinish it for you, (don't send it to the corner gunsmith. Most don't understand Lugers and will only buff it way too much and blue with little care).
Russian "X"s are usually found around serail numbers. Often small parts that don't match have the numbers "stippled" out with a pin punch.

Good luck with the purchase!

I've attached a few more pictures. The toggle mark appears to be "byf", with "41" closer to the barrel. When I checked it on in person, I didn't see any grindings, out of place wear (besides the pitting), or the anything to indicate that the import mark was removed, but I will take a more closer look (and watch for any peened or removed markings) when I check it out again in person tomorrow as I try to work out a deal.

On one of the pictures, there appears to be a X shape. I didn't notice this when I had originally saw it, and the pictures are too fuzzy for me to be sure, but could this be a rebuild stamp or is it another German marking of some sort?

Lastly - and I may be getting ahead of myself here - do you have any recommendations for possible refinishers to contact who reside on this forum? Do you have a rough idea of how much it may cost?

Again, thank you so much for your help.

My best to you,
- Sam