1941 Luger with 42 code opinions

[garandguy56]

Well it looks like the seller has been very reluctant to disassemble the gun and has been giving me quite some resistance to my questions with growing hostility. It makes me hesitant...but the same gun was featured on Legacy so it should have a green light...not sure what to do here.

[Nomadr]

No high edge wear on the usual parts would make me hesitate. The bottom of the magazine in my opinion should match the pistol finish. And it does not. (a little dinged up) I'm with others, just looks to good.

Not for me without a hands on inspection.

Bob

[garandguy56]

Here are Legacy's pictures:

[garandguy56]

Inspection marks

[DavidJayUden]

If you look at the Legacy web site photos, there is no scratch from the safety lever being swung. No shiney spots on the back of the receiver from the toggle hitting it. But the bottom of the mag. shows dings from being dropped and the top of the mag. body shows bluing loss from use.
The grips do not look new like the rest of the gun.
It would be interesting to see photos of the gun with the toggle raised and locked back.
To me it just does not show that "even" wear that we sometimes have to fall back on.
Is the seller offering a 3 day inspection?
This is the exact reason that I will not pay for that unique mark, interesting story, or special condition. I can't afford loosing $2500 on a $4000 gun. And IMHO, that is a real possibility with this gun.
But then if you are a serious collector who would always kick yourself over "the one that got away", maybe it is worth the risk.
dju

[garandguy56]

Well the seller is asking $2500 for it and he supposedly just bought it from Legacy for $1,000 more this past October. Not sure why he is flipping it so quickly and for such a huge loss...but I could either make out really well on this one or end up with a flop. It really is a huge gamble.

[DavidJayUden]

Now that is interesting...
3 day inspection?
dju

[garandguy56]

I asked...pretty much said that someone will buy it without him needing to take it apart or ask for an inspection period. Very shady IMO.

[garandguy56]

AND I just found this same gun sold at a Rock Island Auction in September of last year! Here's their description:

This is a scarce 1941 production Luger P.08 pistol that has the "42" code on the toggle for the Mauser factory with the "41" for year of manufacture stamped on the chamber. This was a relatively short production variation as both the year of manufacture and secret factory code both were eventually changed. This variation has been aptly termed by collectors as a "41/42" code Luger. Although the "n" suffix indicates that 150,000 of them were made, they are seldom seen. The right side of the barrel extension is marked with two "Eagle/655" proof marks followed by the Nazi firing proof. The firing proof is repeated on the right rear of the barrel and left side of the breechblock. The "Eagle/655" proof is also marked on the left rear of the barrel. The matching serial number is marked on the left side of the barrel extension, front of the frame and underside of the barrel with the bore diameter "8,82". The partial serial number "05" is marked on the small components. The left side of the frame is marked "P.08", the upper safety position is marked "GESICHERT" and the extractor is marked "GELADEN". Fixed sights, stock lug, all blue finish, blue matching magazine with pot metal base and fitted with checkered walnut grips. Comes with a black leather flap holster marked "cxb/41", "Eagle/WaA721" and "P.08" on the back.

Condition: Very fine as professionally refinished with 98% blue finish remaining showing some mild muzzle and high edge wear. The grips are excellent with some minor handling marks and crisp checkering. The markings are clear. Mechanically fine. The holster is very fine with some mild flex wear and tight stitching.

Looks like the buyers found out that it was refinished, kept the holster, and it's been making the rounds trying to find an inexperienced buyer.

Link: http://www.rockislandauction.com/vie...aid/59/lid/350

[Zorba]

Wow. What some sleuthing!

[wlyon]

Looks like a good one to avoid. Did Legacy buy this from the auction house? Legacy's ad lists it as mint not a restoration. Something not right there also. Bill

[stressed]

so now that we know its been refinished, whats the real value?

[CJS57]

Sold as refinished the value should be $1200 to $1500. Believe it or not, there is a market out there for mint refinished or restored guns.

[DavidJayUden]

GG:
Good work. I guess I'll not try to sell you that bridge in AZ...
The burning question in my mind is how it went from prof. refinished at auction to original finish at Legacy. I don't know those guys, but maybe they will chime in. They deserve the benefit of the doubt.
And i do see a $1500 gun there.
dju

[garandguy56]

Agreed. It's great that it was refinished quite well, but most of us aren't in the market for refinished pieces. Legacy should definitely chime in because it makes me nervous about buying a gun from them listed as "Original finish."

[garandguy56]

P.S - Bill called it right away. Legacy is in the business for selling

[DavidJayUden]

But in business your reputation is everything, something to be very jealously guarded, a key to future earnings. Sort of a pre-requisite for selling.
I hope we hear from them because we need to have the "good guys" that we can count on.
dju

[FirstUSCavalry]

If the gun has been restored, the polishing was done by an expert before re-bluing. The Legacy photograph seem to be missing the P-08, while the bottom picture clearly shows the P-08 near the toggle.
Do you plan on shooting this, or will the Luger become a safe queen?
Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Good luck.

[FirstUSCavalry]

Didn't see all of the previous posts about the originality of the finish. I certainly would buy this gun if it was going to be a shooter and I could get it for a reasonable price.

[Lugerdoc]

It may be The lighting of your photo, but the polishing, particularly of the right frame, doesn't look factory to me. Tom