Novice Luger enthusiast

JED · 01-08-2011, 09:50 AM

Hello everyone,

I found your website searching for more information about a luger I have. I do not know the history, but from what limited research I have done, it appears to be a commercial .30 cal model. All numbers match on this luger and the blueing looks pretty good.

I would appreciate it if some of you experts would critique it and let me know your thoughts. I would love to know the history and value of this weapon.

I appreciate your consideration.

Best regards,

JED

Edward Tinker · 01-08-2011, 10:16 AM

You have what is called an 'alphabet luger' by collectors, as it has a letter / suffix on the front of the frame. It is a commercial model, as can be seen by the crown N on the left.

As a collector piece, it has had its 'value' taken way down, due to its being reblued. Value on a reblued piece is much less, plus, the 30 caliber (aka 7.65mm) is much more expensive to shoot, compared to the 9mm, so it is not as desirable to many folks.

I would expect a gun like this to be worth around $450-$550 (one in 9mm would be worth another $100-$150).

I hope you did not spend too much for it, its a nice shooter, but not a collectable, sorry.

Welcome to the forum!

Ed

JED · 01-08-2011, 11:22 AM

Ed,

Thanks so much for the information. That is exactly what I was looking for. Not much invested so I am in good shape!

Best regards,

JED

Hugo Borchardt · 01-08-2011, 11:42 AM

JED:

Welcome! FYI, this gun was likely made in the early 1920's. Can't tell from the photos, but if the magazine is serial #'d and has any proofs on it, it could be worth $100 or more by itself.

Clark

mrerick · 01-08-2011, 01:22 PM

It's hard to tell without seeing the base and sides of the magazine, but the one you have is not contemporary to this gun.

That base is found on late Weimar era and WW-II era Lugers. If it's original to those eras, it is valuable as Clark mentions.

There are some here that collect hard to find magazines, and it's rare, but sometimes a serial number match comes up for a Luger someone owns. You can be a real help if you make such magazines available to the collector.

Marc

JED · 01-08-2011, 02:54 PM

Thanks again for the additional info, guys. I realize that the reblueing causes the value to decrease significantly. I didn't realize that it had been. How were you able to determine it has been reblued? This will certainly help me in the future

Hugo Borchardt · 01-08-2011, 03:27 PM

It can be difficult to tell from photos, and in some instances where professional restoration or "boosters" are involved can be very difficult to tell at all. In this instance, you can see that the serial #'s and proof marks were buffed down and/or partially obscured during the reblue. The serials and proofs on an original finish gun would be very crisp. You provided very good photos, and the color and "mirror" quality of the finish tell the tale. Also, the small parts (trigger, takedown lever, etc) would be strawed a gold color which fades a bit depending on condition. You can browse the forum to see some examples.

In spite of that, it is a Luger and therefore is a very cool gun. I like it! Congrats and enjoy!

Clark

Norme · 01-08-2011, 03:54 PM

Hi Jeremy, As Clark has said, the markings should be "deep and crisp and even", as the old song goes. However, what I look for are flat surfaces and sharp edges, see photos. Regards, Norm.

dharger · 01-10-2011, 09:29 AM

The thing I like about Lugers like this one is that they still look nice and you can shoot 'em without hurting their value any.

01-08-2011, 09:50 AM	#1
JED New User Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Novice Luger enthusiast Hello everyone, I found your website searching for more information about a luger I have. I do not know the history, but from what limited research I have done, it appears to be a commercial .30 cal model. All numbers match on this luger and the blueing looks pretty good. I would appreciate it if some of you experts would critique it and let me know your thoughts. I would love to know the history and value of this weapon. I appreciate your consideration. Best regards, JED Attached Thumbnails

01-08-2011, 10:16 AM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,933 Thanks: 2,032 Thanked 4,530 Times in 2,092 Posts	You have what is called an 'alphabet luger' by collectors, as it has a letter / suffix on the front of the frame. It is a commercial model, as can be seen by the crown N on the left. As a collector piece, it has had its 'value' taken way down, due to its being reblued. Value on a reblued piece is much less, plus, the 30 caliber (aka 7.65mm) is much more expensive to shoot, compared to the 9mm, so it is not as desirable to many folks. I would expect a gun like this to be worth around $450-$550 (one in 9mm would be worth another $100-$150). I hope you did not spend too much for it, its a nice shooter, but not a collectable, sorry. Welcome to the forum! 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

01-08-2011, 11:42 AM	#4
Hugo Borchardt User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 370 Thanks: 339 Thanked 133 Times in 47 Posts	JED: Welcome! FYI, this gun was likely made in the early 1920's. Can't tell from the photos, but if the magazine is serial #'d and has any proofs on it, it could be worth $100 or more by itself. Clark __________________ My militaria collection is dedicated to the memory of my Grandfather, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Dave Hill, Jr., wounded in action at The Assault of the Second Marine Division on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, 20-23 November, 1943. http://www.tarawa1943.com/pages/casualties%20tarawa.htm

01-08-2011, 01:22 PM	#5
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	It's hard to tell without seeing the base and sides of the magazine, but the one you have is not contemporary to this gun. That base is found on late Weimar era and WW-II era Lugers. If it's original to those eras, it is valuable as Clark mentions. There are some here that collect hard to find magazines, and it's rare, but sometimes a serial number match comes up for a Luger someone owns. You can be a real help if you make such magazines available to the collector. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

01-08-2011, 03:27 PM	#7
Hugo Borchardt User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 370 Thanks: 339 Thanked 133 Times in 47 Posts	It can be difficult to tell from photos, and in some instances where professional restoration or "boosters" are involved can be very difficult to tell at all. In this instance, you can see that the serial #'s and proof marks were buffed down and/or partially obscured during the reblue. The serials and proofs on an original finish gun would be very crisp. You provided very good photos, and the color and "mirror" quality of the finish tell the tale. Also, the small parts (trigger, takedown lever, etc) would be strawed a gold color which fades a bit depending on condition. You can browse the forum to see some examples. In spite of that, it is a Luger and therefore is a very cool gun. I like it! Congrats and enjoy! Clark __________________ My militaria collection is dedicated to the memory of my Grandfather, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Dave Hill, Jr., wounded in action at The Assault of the Second Marine Division on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, 20-23 November, 1943. http://www.tarawa1943.com/pages/casualties%20tarawa.htm

01-08-2011, 11:22 AM	#3
JED New User Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, Thanks so much for the information. That is exactly what I was looking for. Not much invested so I am in good shape! Best regards, JED

01-08-2011, 02:54 PM	#6
JED New User Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks again for the additional info, guys. I realize that the reblueing causes the value to decrease significantly. I didn't realize that it had been. How were you able to determine it has been reblued? This will certainly help me in the future

01-08-2011, 03:54 PM	#8
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,603 Times in 933 Posts	Hi Jeremy, As Clark has said, the markings should be "deep and crisp and even", as the old song goes. However, what I look for are flat surfaces and sharp edges, see photos. Regards, Norm. Attached Thumbnails Attached Images

01-10-2011, 09:29 AM	#9
dharger User Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The thing I like about Lugers like this one is that they still look nice and you can shoot 'em without hurting their value any.