Looking for First Luger Purchase Advice

Pistol · 10-26-2017, 05:01 PM

Sky Zero,

Sure post some photos in a new thread. There may be a buyer out there looking for a 42 code or BYF luger with original black bakelite grips; however, new collectors should note that, according to this post on the Jan C Still forum, the following excerpt describes what is meant by the term "Black widow".

"Black Widow was a term invented by dealers in the early1970s’ to identify and increase the value of Lugers with factory installed black plastic grips. Some claim that many (originally) wood gripped 1940 42 code Lugers were converted to black widows years ago by dishonest dealers. A mix of all grip types (1-6) would be expected if the black grips were switched by dealers in the U.S. to create black widow Lugers. The predominate appearance of the type 1 black plastic grips on 1940 42 Code Lugers (9 reported to date) lends credibility to the concept that these grips were factory installed. There is also a question of where the black bakelite grips came from to do all this switching. To my knowledge such grips were not manufactured in the United States."

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

10-26-2017, 05:01 PM	#27
Pistol User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA - TN Posts: 435 Thanks: 467 Thanked 223 Times in 102 Posts	Sky Zero, Sure post some photos in a new thread. There may be a buyer out there looking for a 42 code or BYF luger with original black bakelite grips; however, new collectors should note that, according to this post on the Jan C Still forum, the following excerpt describes what is meant by the term "Black widow". "Black Widow was a term invented by dealers in the early1970s’ to identify and increase the value of Lugers with factory installed black plastic grips. Some claim that many (originally) wood gripped 1940 42 code Lugers were converted to black widows years ago by dishonest dealers. A mix of all grip types (1-6) would be expected if the black grips were switched by dealers in the U.S. to create black widow Lugers. The predominate appearance of the type 1 black plastic grips on 1940 42 Code Lugers (9 reported to date) lends credibility to the concept that these grips were factory installed. There is also a question of where the black bakelite grips came from to do all this switching. To my knowledge such grips were not manufactured in the United States."