A Rare Find

Mike B · 10-23-2007, 12:14 PM

I have heard that you never know what might walk in at a gun show. Of course, when good fortune happens, it always seems to happen to the guy at the next table. Well this time, I think it was my turn. This past weekend during the Tulsa show, an elderly gentleman walked up to my table with a home made back pack hanging around his neck. He was carrying what looked like a Luger holster in one hand. I asked him what was in the holster. He reached in the "sack" and pulled out a copy of "Imperial Lugers" by Mr.Jan Still. He opened the book to page 137 and layed the Luger on the book and said, "I want to sell THAT Luger". And he did have "THAT" Luger. Same markings, same serial, same Luger. Along with Luger came a 1935 Police holster, the Imperial book and two magazines, neither of which are proper for the 1910. It appears that the mag and the grips have been replaced since the picture in Mr. Still's book was taken, as the grips are not properly marked. So here is sharing with the forum a most unusual Luger. BTW, please see page 137 of Imperial Lugers.

Ron Smith · 10-23-2007, 12:46 PM

Wow Mike,

What a deal! That's a great one to have. Congratulations!!

Ron

lugerholsterrepair · 10-23-2007, 02:02 PM

C'mon..Ron! You and I are jealous! Say it with me..My name is Ron Smith and I want that unit marked Luger! Pretty sweet Mike...Jerry Burney

wlyon · 10-23-2007, 03:48 PM

Mike Thats a nice piece and I to am jealous. Way to go . Bill

Edward Tinker · 10-23-2007, 03:51 PM

I saw this gun at the Tulsa show (after Mike had bought it). I think a nice find, very unusual!

Ed

Dwight Gruber · 10-23-2007, 04:15 PM

Mike,

Congratulations on picking up this very cool Luger with unique provenance, and the Imperial Luger book as well. Sometimes things just work out in one's favor.

--Dwight

beachbaker · 10-23-2007, 04:41 PM

I was wondering if collectors assign any additional value to guns like this that are in Jan's book. Also, some of the guns are noted as owned by different people so would a gun in his book that is noted as being owned by the author (Jan) be of any additional interest? Thanks, Curt

Ron Smith · 10-23-2007, 05:00 PM

"C'mon..Ron! You and I are jealous! Say it with me..My name is Ron Smith and I want that unit marked Luger! Pretty sweet Mike...Jerry Burney"

Jerry, You betcha...

"I was wondering if collectors assign any additional value to guns like this that are in Jan's book."

Hi Curt,

Maybe not all, but I'd bet the majority do.

Ron

10-23-2007, 06:08 PM

I saw the luger after Mike bought it. I think that its being in the book does add value. Just gives bragging rights which of value to a collector.

Mike B · 10-23-2007, 06:16 PM

Thanks to everyone for the overwhelming positive and complimentary comments! I look forward to additional postings about my "rare find".

I would like to make one special comment to Curt. Thanks for your response. It is my opinion that "WHY" the luger is in the book is the reason the value of the luger is inflated, not solely because it is listed and pictured in the book. Certainly there was a reason why Mr. Still chose that specific luger to highlight. I feel very fortunate and honored to have such an esteemed luger in my collection.

the gunman · 10-23-2007, 06:16 PM

What a find Mike glad a forum member got it. " Congratulations "

beachbaker · 10-23-2007, 06:44 PM

The reason I ask this question is I have had a similar experience. I attended the Reno gun show in April 2004 and Jan was there selling his books ( all were available). I bought Axis pistols from him and had him sign it and noticed he had a single luger for sale and inquired about it.It was a 1914 dwm unit marked 37R.11.4 and at the time I was a new collector and he took the time to explain about unit marking and their rarity. I then wondered around the huge hall looking at other lugers but could not get it out of my head as so many just looked too good and I did not know enough about them to decide. So I went back and handled it again and decided that was the gun for me so I bought it from him for $1850 which seemed like a fair price.
He then turned and signed a Imperial Lugers book and gave it to me as well as a calendar from 1999 in which he had published with it as Miss October. This gun 1914 DWM is 1961a, bohler marked and is on page 43 in Imperial Lugers. The real stunner is the inflated value of the book over the years which he just through in to the deal. This is my most treasured gun although not my most valuable. If I had to sell my collection ever this would be the last to go, Jan is the kindest and most giving of all the experts I have ever met. Sorry if this was overly long winded and I did not want to steal the thread. Curt

Aaron · 10-23-2007, 07:06 PM

Mike, would it be possible to see a photo of the left side of the pistol?

Mike B · 10-23-2007, 08:00 PM

Aaron,
Left side added.

Mike

Ron Smith · 10-24-2007, 09:17 AM

For those of you who have never met or talked to Jan Still. He is a very easy going and humble gentleman. Very willing to help with any questions or inquiries you may have regarding Lugers and German pistols.

A word of warning, should you have a Luger that he wants. Take a big stick to fend him off.

Mike,

I'm still drooling...

Ron

GerColctor · 10-24-2007, 08:45 PM

beachbaker & Ron

Great story of meeting Jan at the Reno gun show. I always wondered what he was like in person, as I have all of his books.

CROLUGER · 10-25-2007, 02:48 PM

WOW!

cirelaw · 10-26-2007, 01:55 PM

I Love Luger hunting, no need for a medal detector!!

10-23-2007, 12:14 PM	#1
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 272 Times in 100 Posts	A Rare Find I have heard that you never know what might walk in at a gun show. Of course, when good fortune happens, it always seems to happen to the guy at the next table. Well this time, I think it was my turn. This past weekend during the Tulsa show, an elderly gentleman walked up to my table with a home made back pack hanging around his neck. He was carrying what looked like a Luger holster in one hand. I asked him what was in the holster. He reached in the "sack" and pulled out a copy of "Imperial Lugers" by Mr.Jan Still. He opened the book to page 137 and layed the Luger on the book and said, "I want to sell THAT Luger". And he did have "THAT" Luger. Same markings, same serial, same Luger. Along with Luger came a 1935 Police holster, the Imperial book and two magazines, neither of which are proper for the 1910. It appears that the mag and the grips have been replaced since the picture in Mr. Still's book was taken, as the grips are not properly marked. So here is sharing with the forum a most unusual Luger. BTW, please see page 137 of Imperial Lugers.

10-23-2007, 12:46 PM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Wow Mike, What a deal! That's a great one to have. Congratulations!! Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

10-23-2007, 02:02 PM	#3
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,775 Thanks: 4,995 Thanked 3,133 Times in 1,439 Posts	C'mon..Ron! You and I are jealous! Say it with me..My name is Ron Smith and I want that unit marked Luger! Pretty sweet Mike...Jerry Burney __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

10-23-2007, 03:48 PM	#4
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,656 Thanks: 3,212 Thanked 2,620 Times in 972 Posts	Mike Thats a nice piece and I to am jealous. Way to go . Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

10-23-2007, 03:51 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,967 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,596 Times in 2,117 Posts	I saw this gun at the Tulsa show (after Mike had bought it). I think a nice find, very unusual! Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

10-23-2007, 04:15 PM	#6
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Mike, Congratulations on picking up this very cool Luger with unique provenance, and the Imperial Luger book as well. Sometimes things just work out in one's favor. --Dwight

10-23-2007, 04:41 PM	#7
beachbaker Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: california Posts: 140 Thanks: 32 Thanked 110 Times in 31 Posts	Imperial Luger I was wondering if collectors assign any additional value to guns like this that are in Jan's book. Also, some of the guns are noted as owned by different people so would a gun in his book that is noted as being owned by the author (Jan) be of any additional interest? Thanks, Curt __________________ Curt

10-23-2007, 05:00 PM	#8
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	"C'mon..Ron! You and I are jealous! Say it with me..My name is Ron Smith and I want that unit marked Luger! Pretty sweet Mike...Jerry Burney" Jerry, You betcha... "I was wondering if collectors assign any additional value to guns like this that are in Jan's book." Hi Curt, Maybe not all, but I'd bet the majority do. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

10-23-2007, 06:08 PM	#9
RGARRETT Guest Posts: n/a	I saw the luger after Mike bought it. I think that its being in the book does add value. Just gives bragging rights which of value to a collector.

10-23-2007, 06:16 PM	#10
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 272 Times in 100 Posts	Thanks to everyone for the overwhelming positive and complimentary comments! I look forward to additional postings about my "rare find". I would like to make one special comment to Curt. Thanks for your response. It is my opinion that "WHY" the luger is in the book is the reason the value of the luger is inflated, not solely because it is listed and pictured in the book. Certainly there was a reason why Mr. Still chose that specific luger to highlight. I feel very fortunate and honored to have such an esteemed luger in my collection.

10-23-2007, 06:16 PM	#11
the gunman User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Leland NC 28451 Posts: 1,017 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	What a find Mike glad a forum member got it. " Congratulations "

10-23-2007, 06:44 PM	#12
beachbaker Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: california Posts: 140 Thanks: 32 Thanked 110 Times in 31 Posts	The reason I ask this question is I have had a similar experience. I attended the Reno gun show in April 2004 and Jan was there selling his books ( all were available). I bought Axis pistols from him and had him sign it and noticed he had a single luger for sale and inquired about it.It was a 1914 dwm unit marked 37R.11.4 and at the time I was a new collector and he took the time to explain about unit marking and their rarity. I then wondered around the huge hall looking at other lugers but could not get it out of my head as so many just looked too good and I did not know enough about them to decide. So I went back and handled it again and decided that was the gun for me so I bought it from him for $1850 which seemed like a fair price. He then turned and signed a Imperial Lugers book and gave it to me as well as a calendar from 1999 in which he had published with it as Miss October. This gun 1914 DWM is 1961a, bohler marked and is on page 43 in Imperial Lugers. The real stunner is the inflated value of the book over the years which he just through in to the deal. This is my most treasured gun although not my most valuable. If I had to sell my collection ever this would be the last to go, Jan is the kindest and most giving of all the experts I have ever met. Sorry if this was overly long winded and I did not want to steal the thread. Curt __________________ Curt

10-23-2007, 07:06 PM	#13
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Mike, would it be possible to see a photo of the left side of the pistol?

10-23-2007, 08:00 PM	#14
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 272 Times in 100 Posts	Aaron, Left side added. Mike

10-24-2007, 09:17 AM	#15
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	For those of you who have never met or talked to Jan Still. He is a very easy going and humble gentleman. Very willing to help with any questions or inquiries you may have regarding Lugers and German pistols. A word of warning, should you have a Luger that he wants. Take a big stick to fend him off. Mike, I'm still drooling... Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

10-24-2007, 08:45 PM	#16
GerColctor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: CT & FL Posts: 315 Thanks: 2 Thanked 48 Times in 31 Posts	beachbaker & Ron Great story of meeting Jan at the Reno gun show. I always wondered what he was like in person, as I have all of his books. __________________ It is better to have lived a day as a tiger, then a thousand years as a lamb.

10-25-2007, 02:48 PM	#17
CROLUGER User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Croatia. Posts: 134 Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 7 Posts	WOW! __________________ Luger DWM 1915, Luger BYF 1942, Walther P-38 AC43 & CYQ 1944, Mauser Hsc, Steyr 1909, Frommer Stop 1916, SA XD HS 45, Beretta M34, M70, M72, M950B, 92FS, Browning 1910/22, CZ M-48, CZ PAP M59/66, Winchester 9422M, GLOCK 19.

10-26-2007, 01:55 PM	#18
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,138 Times in 2,176 Posts	I Love Luger hunting, no need for a medal detector!!