Inherited a plated Luger - what do I have?

alanint · 02-02-2012, 09:09 AM

It depends. If you are restoring it for a quick sale, then...no. But if you are restoring it for the fascinating piece of history that it is and want to keep it for some time, then I think yes.

To true collectors who have a passion for their subject, it is never about money. How many times have you seen a beautiful, restored automobile for sale with a tag line that goes something like this; "$60,000 invested, asking $40,000". It is about keeping the history alive.

Twenty years from now I can see this pistol going for top dollar, described as; "rare, desirable Banner Police in pristine condition. Superb older restoration".

Look at it this way; As a beat up clunker, it is going to be abused its entire life until it dies and is parted out. As a restored firearm it is going to be cherished and cared for, a rare variation for future collectors to enjoy, albeit not entirely original.
That, at least, is my $0.02

02-02-2012, 09:09 AM	#19
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,917 Times in 1,193 Posts	It depends. If you are restoring it for a quick sale, then...no. But if you are restoring it for the fascinating piece of history that it is and want to keep it for some time, then I think yes. To true collectors who have a passion for their subject, it is never about money. How many times have you seen a beautiful, restored automobile for sale with a tag line that goes something like this; "$60,000 invested, asking $40,000". It is about keeping the history alive. Twenty years from now I can see this pistol going for top dollar, described as; "rare, desirable Banner Police in pristine condition. Superb older restoration". Look at it this way; As a beat up clunker, it is going to be abused its entire life until it dies and is parted out. As a restored firearm it is going to be cherished and cared for, a rare variation for future collectors to enjoy, albeit not entirely original. That, at least, is my $0.02 Last edited by alanint; 02-02-2012 at 11:58 AM.