New "old" man with lots of questions.

mrerick · 04-04-2012, 10:55 PM

Hi John,

First, welcome to the forum. It's great that you're willing to help your friend.

Lugers have so many variations that it can take some time to develop the knowledge needed to identify collectable pistols that are "correct". There have been several manufacturers over the years, each of which created many variations.

To be considered "collectable", a Luger must be as close to original factory state as possible. The markings (commercial and military proof marks), matching serial numbers, high percentage of original finish and a host of other things contribute to identifying Lugers as original and matching and help determine rarity and price. Matching magazines are rare, and add 20% to the value or more.

Any modification to a Luger (re-finishing; replacement of numbered parts) eliminates collector interest in most Lugers. Some are so rare that collectors may still want to acquire one, but most refinished, altered or mis-matched Lugers are considered "shooters". They are generally valued between $400 and $1000 if, in fact, they are in good shooting condition.

Collectable Lugers start at around $1000.

It's likely that posting all of your friend's pistols in one thread will end up bogging it down as members have to page through all of the photos and comments. It might be best to open one thread for each pistol that you want help identifying and evaluating.

Take your pictures using a tripod, the closeup setting of your digital camera, the self timer (to avoid camera shake) and in indirect (shaded) light. Don't use the flash. It washes out the finish and makes it difficult to judge it's condition.

Luger #1 is shooter grade; Probably worth $500 if in good shooting condition.

Luger #2 is shooter grade. None of the manufacturers marked the toggle "GERMANY". It also has East German plastic grips. Is the pistol in 9mm Luger or .30 Luger caliber? A shooter would be worth $650 with the WW-II magazine (correct for 1941-1942 Mauser Lugers).

#3 also looks reblued to me. There should be lightening "halos" around the serial number stamped on the barrel, and the pistol should be rust blued (not salt blued). The strawing looks redone too. I'm not sure, and would like to see pictures of the top / interior of the frame, and close-ups of the serial number area on the barrel; the front of the barrel; hand straps. You would have to disassemble further to check numbering on the breech block; firing pin and grips. Be very careful if you remove grips. Lift the left one very slightly before sliding it away from the safety lever. Value with WW-I Magazine is $800; With after market magazine is $725.

Marc

04-04-2012, 10:55 PM	#9
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,925 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,139 Times in 1,520 Posts	Hi John, First, welcome to the forum. It's great that you're willing to help your friend. Lugers have so many variations that it can take some time to develop the knowledge needed to identify collectable pistols that are "correct". There have been several manufacturers over the years, each of which created many variations. To be considered "collectable", a Luger must be as close to original factory state as possible. The markings (commercial and military proof marks), matching serial numbers, high percentage of original finish and a host of other things contribute to identifying Lugers as original and matching and help determine rarity and price. Matching magazines are rare, and add 20% to the value or more. Any modification to a Luger (re-finishing; replacement of numbered parts) eliminates collector interest in most Lugers. Some are so rare that collectors may still want to acquire one, but most refinished, altered or mis-matched Lugers are considered "shooters". They are generally valued between $400 and $1000 if, in fact, they are in good shooting condition. Collectable Lugers start at around $1000. It's likely that posting all of your friend's pistols in one thread will end up bogging it down as members have to page through all of the photos and comments. It might be best to open one thread for each pistol that you want help identifying and evaluating. Take your pictures using a tripod, the closeup setting of your digital camera, the self timer (to avoid camera shake) and in indirect (shaded) light. Don't use the flash. It washes out the finish and makes it difficult to judge it's condition. Luger #1 is shooter grade; Probably worth $500 if in good shooting condition. Luger #2 is shooter grade. None of the manufacturers marked the toggle "GERMANY". It also has East German plastic grips. Is the pistol in 9mm Luger or .30 Luger caliber? A shooter would be worth $650 with the WW-II magazine (correct for 1941-1942 Mauser Lugers). #3 also looks reblued to me. There should be lightening "halos" around the serial number stamped on the barrel, and the pistol should be rust blued (not salt blued). The strawing looks redone too. I'm not sure, and would like to see pictures of the top / interior of the frame, and close-ups of the serial number area on the barrel; the front of the barrel; hand straps. You would have to disassemble further to check numbering on the breech block; firing pin and grips. Be very careful if you remove grips. Lift the left one very slightly before sliding it away from the safety lever. Value with WW-I Magazine is $800; With after market magazine is $725. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.