Tell me what I have?

[xstang77]

This is at my lgs so far know there's something different with the side plate and not original holster or mag can anyone tell me more and if it's worth taking home for a little over $1k? Thanks

[Ron Wood]

The hoster has been cut up to modify it and that side plate is a mess. So a little over $1K is a bit of a stretch for what looks like only a shooter. But if you do take the plunge, I'll give you 200 bucks for those grips.
Ron

[HerrKaiser]

What Ron said. For $1k or so with a holster it is not going to burn you as a shooter, but that is a rough shape 1915 and holster.

[Doubs]

Just a little additional information about your holster. "jme" is the "secret" manufacturer's code assigned by the Nazis to Armeemarinehause Berlin, Berlin-Charlottenburg and that is the company that made it.

[Eugen]

I don't keep up with Luger valuations. But, that never stops me from commenting.

Assuming its in good functional order, it would make a fun shooter for $800.

[xstang77]

Is it to the point I should cancel the layaway? Apparently a 90 ,yr old guy brought them in and had shot both,was accompanied by another dbw 1918, nicer shape with 2 original mags and holster for 2500,could get either but felt as a luger noob the $1k was a safer risk.

Couple questions, is there much better options out there generally within a couple hundred dollars? Is the side plate something concerning that could affect shootability or safety and is it affordably replaceable without too much effort?

Does it look like something someone replaced with a machined part and is it a common issue area? Also is this model what's considered a black widow?

Will be doing some reading,Sorry for all the noob questions.

[Ron Wood]

This gun is an Imperial era/WWI vintage. A black widow is WWII.
That rough machined replacement side plate probably won't cause any safety concerns, but may or may not function reliably...only shooting will tell. It is easily replaceable.
My offer on the grips still stands
Ron

[Pistol]

Xstang77

Check your private messages (PM) in upper right corner under your user name.

I might have a sideplate, or better condition holster.

[Fred Patterson]

My experience is limited, but looking in the conventional well trafficked sites I seldom see a Luger for less than $1200. If you could get into a different side plate at a good prize, I would do that and had a fairly decent shooter/holster. The value of the holster is probably $150– $200 (more to someone that needs a 1941.)

[Bill_in_VA]

As Ron pointed out, those EWB marked grips are fairly desirable. Take thegun for $1000, sell Ron the grips for his $200 offer, buy some repro or bester original grips for $50-100, and you’ll have a nice, affordable pistol you won’t be afraid to shoot. If you get bitten by the Luger, buy some books, study up, and buy a nicer more collectible piece. I’d venture a guess that most Luger collectors bought a shooter long before they started down the rabbit hole.
My .02

[velodog455~]

I agree 100%. Bill has it right, IMHO, assuming it has a decent bore. Otherwise it will just be an inaccurate shooter, in which case I would recommend passing on it.
-Bob

[Mac Cat]

EWB: Einwohnerwehr Bayern (Citizens or Residences Defense Bavaria) (p 39, Police Lugers)

Is that right, Ron ?
I had never heard of EWB before today.

[Ron Wood]

Correct Russ. Another little bit of trivia to add to your repertoire!