This 1899 Parabellum sold for a huge amount of money today...

drbuster · 08-23-2009, 09:36 PM

Ron, well said, and I respect your learned opinions on this subject. You have seen many more of these questionable "prototype" lugers than I. I did hold the BL#5 in my hands for a few moments but I don't know what that proves about the later prototypes, preproduction models and the first actual production models...actually nothing. I know what I know through reading Geoff Sturgiss, your postings in the past, Albert's postings and the mentoring of Michael Krause, who I feel very lucky to live near. There is obviously much that is unknown for certain, a great deal of speculation, etc. In the end, all this serves to place one very much in doubt when perusing a possible prototype for sale, because how can you trust the "expert" that is authenticating it, not to mention the big bucks involved. I guess the only prototypes that are beyond question are BL#5 and 6. What may also complicate the situation is not knowing how much "updating" may have been added to prototypes by Swiss armorers. All I can say is #20 is a pretty luger, but is it actually a prototype? Each observer (providing he has actually examined it) must form his own conclusions.

08-23-2009, 09:36 PM	#16
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Ron, well said, and I respect your learned opinions on this subject. You have seen many more of these questionable "prototype" lugers than I. I did hold the BL#5 in my hands for a few moments but I don't know what that proves about the later prototypes, preproduction models and the first actual production models...actually nothing. I know what I know through reading Geoff Sturgiss, your postings in the past, Albert's postings and the mentoring of Michael Krause, who I feel very lucky to live near. There is obviously much that is unknown for certain, a great deal of speculation, etc. In the end, all this serves to place one very much in doubt when perusing a possible prototype for sale, because how can you trust the "expert" that is authenticating it, not to mention the big bucks involved. I guess the only prototypes that are beyond question are BL#5 and 6. What may also complicate the situation is not knowing how much "updating" may have been added to prototypes by Swiss armorers. All I can say is #20 is a pretty luger, but is it actually a prototype? Each observer (providing he has actually examined it) must form his own conclusions.