Luger vrs Inflation~

[Douglas Jr.]

I should have asked differently.
In fact, I'm not worried with how gun (Luger) collecting performs as an investment. A t least, in my part of world old guns are not a commodity as they are difficult to sell and the local collecting market is small, and the economy is frequently in turmoil. I collect them because of my passion for history and historical firearms.

When I asked about the inflation I was curious about how the Luger performed in the market at that time and how it would cost today as a "normal" gun still in production. I frequently read that Lugers were expensive pistols back then but the same 1904 Ad I posted brings big bore revolver for a similar price, so it was not a gun target for a super prime market, as it was affordable for a middle class guy. So that was the idea.

But, anyway, this topic is a nice reading.

Douglas

[Arizona Slim]

I purchased my first Luger in early 1964, an all matching 1917 Artillery with the exception of the mag. and rear sight, which was not a correct artillery sight for $56.00 at auction. At some point in the "60's or 70's ? there was an on-going ad on the back page of one of the popular Gun magazines for Lugers priced at, I believe, $29.00 and $39.00 plus Broomhandles for $55.00. However the older I get the less reliable my memory is but I believe these prices are correct, perhaps some of our older members will be able to recall those adds as well.

Lon

[Eugen]

Originally Posted by Arizona Slim

I purchased my first Luger in early 1964, an all matching 1917 Artillery with the exception of the mag. and rear sight, which was not a correct artillery sight for $56.00 at auction. At some point in the "60's or 70's ? there was an on-going ad on the back page of one of the popular Gun magazines for Lugers priced at, I believe, $29.00 and $39.00 plus Broomhandles for $55.00. However the older I get the less reliable my memory is but I believe these prices are correct, perhaps some of our older members will be able to recall those adds as well.

Lon

Geez, Lon, you've had your hands on Lugers for a few years. Hats off to you!

Back in 1964 (or was that 1965) my dad gave me my first gun, a Remington Nylon 66 22lr, that I still prize and own. I believe it retailed for $39. However, I wish he had bought me a Luger instead.

[4 Scale]

Originally Posted by Arizona Slim

I purchased my first Luger in early 1964, an all matching 1917 Artillery with the exception of the mag. and rear sight, which was not a correct artillery sight for $56.00 at auction.

Using the inflation calculator in post #9, your $56 purchase price in 1964 would equate to $435 today. I don't collect Artillery Lugers but have looked at a few - I would guess the pistol would be worth $1,300 or more today if the receiver hadn't cracked.

As 3 x $435 = $1,300 (approximate), your purchase info suggests that long-term appreciation of Lugers is something like three times the inflation rate. With inflation running around 2% nowadays, I'm guessing Lugers increase 6% a year or so.