Minature Toy Luger

[Sieger]

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

I have the exact same toy gun in "as new" condition. They were made to fire caps and with the corrosive nature of cap gun caps (usually mercury fulminate), firing even one cap seriously eroded the metal if it wasn't carefully cleaned and oiled after firing (and who does that with a toy?). The finish was a thin enamel, so it flaked/wore off easily. I have no idea when they were made but I would guess around the late 1980s, but it could be earlier or later for all I know.

Ron,

Both my brother and I were given cap firing Lugers at Christmas of 1959. Those were happy carefree days.

These were, probably, about 90% of original Luger size. If memory serves, they were made by "Marks".

I kept mine into the mid 1970s when it was mistakenly thrown away by Mom.

Oh well, since I'd been firing Dad's original Luger, since about 1966, the loss of a toy was not all that saddening to me.


Sieger

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by Sieger

Both my brother and I were given cap firing Lugers at Christmas of 1959...
These were, probably, about 90% of original Luger size. If memory serves, they were made by "Marks".

"Marx", like the comedian brothers.

I had one of the Marx Lugers; it was about 3" long IIRC. It was one in a series that Marx put out, some others being a Thompson SMG [about 6" long], a Colt SAA w/7 1/2" simulated barrel, a flintlock (it didn'r sell well), and a couple others I don't recall now.

I still have two of the Colt SAA's, one with corroded finish, one in good shape. They're 3 1/2" OAL, with white plastic grips. They're not anatomically correct, as the cylinder doesn't rotate and the front half tilts down like a Webley to insert the cap. I have the cardboard backing that the Colt toy was tied to; it simply says 'Marx Collectors Series'.

The Marx Luger was big enough for a 1959 9-year old to get his finger in the trigger guard. Brown plastic grips IIRC. I occasionally Search for one on eBay but haven't seen any lately...or at all...

Edit: one of the Marx Lugers was for sale on eBay up until 10 minutes ago...

[sheepherder]

I'll add this post on to Eugen's, as they are both miniature Lugers...

This is the Marx cap-firing miniature, it's actually 3 3/8" long, comes in an aqua plastic 4" x 5 5/8" case. The 'accessory' section of the case actually came with three old [56 years?] rolls of caps.

Zinc cast metal with brown plastic grips, right half of cannon & upper frame assembly is a separate piece. Toggle actually works, but just two pieces, no separate breechblock. A coil spring inside the grip actuates the toggle, snaps forward to fire cap.

Marking on toggle - 'byf' and '53', 'MARX' on right side of chamber, '1253KG' on left side of chamber (I think), '53' on sideplate.

Dull charcoal color, doesn't look like it was ever fired. Satin finish.

Looks like it would be easy to cut the barrel off and fit a new threaded steel one. Drill & tap the frame for it, make up a set of wood grips. Scallop the toggle knobs. Fun mods.

Nah! Too much work! It's no Crottet, that's for sure!!!

(30 Luger cartridge case shown alongside for size comparison.)