Should I restore 1941 Luger

[4 Scale]

Originally Posted by Vlim

That is absolutely the issue!

Any attempts at refinishing a Luger will kill it's collector value and reduce it's resale value all in one go. So an absolute no-no unless it's a super-duper rare variation in an already terrible condition. And even then you should consider leaving it alone.

The OP asked about the economics, and my reply pertained solely to economics. I agree that in most cases original pistols should be left alone but that's a separate issue from what the OP asked.

I can imagine an all-original but cosmetically poor pistol that might rise in value if restored. In fact I once owned one. This pistol was a '36 military Mauser (below), original and all-matching except for the un-numbered grips. There was significant corrosion. I acquired a better condition '36 and sold this one; I took me a few months but I I finally sold it for $1,100. If restored it would be worth more than that, assuming a high-quality restoration. I base that estimate on what I have seen well-restored pistols sell for.