Stock Rig Value?

[Dwight Gruber]

Coda to the story.

I had an opportunity to reexamine the rig today at the Clark County (WA) gun show. In a word: totallybogus.

There were no maker stamps, either on the holster or the mag pouch. There was no inspectors stamp on the wood (Still, Imperial Lugers p. 109 allows for this possibility, however). Magnification of the serial number in the stock iron revealed that the numbers were small and 'squatty', the 4 was closed at the top and the 7 proportionally not what one would expect and did not have the serif 'hook' at the end.

Overall, the impression was that the entire rig was made out of rather lighter-weight, 'floppier' leather than I have handled with other Luger holsters, and seemed to be recently dyed. The stitching threads seemed to be too close to the color of the rest of the stock. Inside the smell was of new process or recent dye, rather than age and must. The finishing work did go clear down into the toe of the holster, however, rather than stopping partway down and leaving new, raw leather the rest of the way, which I have seen on three repros. The wood gave the impression of calculated distress rather than nicks and abrasions from use.

Granted, I don't have experience with authentic Artillery rigs, but this one just didn't "feel" right, and I have to allow myself my own common sense.

Needless to say I didn't buy, and I regret that the seller is stuck with his unfortunate acquisition. He is a fairly experienced Luger guy, but we both learned something here today.

Thank you Jerry for your helpful commentary, and Jan Still for the continued indespensible resource books.

--Dwight