advice on broomhandle mauser

[ybz]

yes i know it's not a luger, but thought i would ask and maybe i can get some advice or get pointed in the proper direction...

i've been collecting modern firearms for some time and would like to start collecting some older handguns for personal collection and investment. so i started looking into it and i am very very confused... lots of variations, markings, etc.; i guess that is what makes it fun... so while looking around for a luger i ran across a broomhandle mauser at a local gun store. the asking price is similar to what i've seen other broomhandle mausers go for, and while i think i may take the plunge with this one, i want to make sure that i'm not getting ripped-off...

so here it it (i dont have any pictures, but i'll describe the best i can)... i looked up some of the markings online, but i'm getting some odd results since the serial numbers dont seem to match the descriptions); maybe someone can give some advice here...

some of the info is from the gun store other is my own observations:

1896 broomhandle mauser - bluing looks great (has not been reblued) - has nitron blue parts such as the top extractor, safety, sights, locking block - those parts are accualy bluish in color.
according to the store, the barrel is 3.9" and it is chambered in 9mm; the handle has a red 9 in it.
the sights have markings upto 1000 yards
it has the letters U and BH under the barrel
also there are markings of a U with a crown above it (these markings were present on two areas
all the numbers appear to match
the serial number is 6989xx
there is a marking of waffenfabrik mauser oberndorf a/n

included with the gun is a wooden holster, also in good shape, with a leather holder/sholder strap

so....
what does something like this worth? are the numbers and description make sense? is this the gun that i could start my collection with? good investment? am i going to get ripped off? should i start with a luger instead...

thanks for your time,

ybz