Luger 1940 42 with star on barrel

Bogr1988 · 05-19-2013, 09:18 AM

I am new to lugers and I was wondering what you all could tell me about it and how much is it worth. The mag is not matching to the pistol. Also there is a star looking mark on the side of the barrel and I was wondering what that is. Thanks!

sheepherder · 05-19-2013, 09:36 AM

1940 Luger made by Mauser, looks to be all matching, and in very good condition...

Tag for 'star' marking...

Bogr1988 · 05-19-2013, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by postino

1940 Luger made by Mauser, looks to be all matching, and in very good condition...

Tag for 'star' marking...

So what would the value be around $1700-$2000? Also what do you mean "tag for star marking?" Sorry I am new to the forum and I heard you guys are the best to go to for lugers.

sheepherder · 05-19-2013, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogr1988

So what would the value be around $1700-$2000? Also what do you mean "tag for star marking?" Sorry I am new to the forum and I heard you guys are the best to go to for lugers.

Sorry; I just meant I am watching the thread to see what the star means...

Value is relative, can vary geographically, and can depend on how many of this type [1940 '42'] are for sale at any one particular time...That price does not seem exorbitant...

DavidJayUden · 05-19-2013, 10:21 AM

I'm not certain of the star marking, but do not be talked into paying more for it.
That price seems a bit high, sort of last-man-oput retail. I'd rather see it at $1400.
Do all internal numbers match, and what of the magazine? Bore condition? Holster?
Oveall it seems like a nice, but not uncommon, Luger.
Welcome.
dju

sheepherder · 05-19-2013, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

I'm not certain of the star marking, but do not be talked into paying more for it...I'd rather see it at $1400.

David, I'm sure the majority here would agree with you. But I'm too old to wait years for a reasonable price, and if I could get this pistol (with a pristine bore) for ~$1700 in a face-to-face sale, no FFL fee, no sales tax, no S&H charge, I think it would be a good deal.

I don't have all that many years left and I want to enjoy what I have left now...

(And there does seem to be a certain interest in late WW II Lugers w/Third Reich markings)...

DavidJayUden · 05-19-2013, 11:10 AM

Postino:
I can not disagree with your logic.
dju

sheepherder · 05-19-2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

Postino:
I can not disagree with your logic.
dju

...Logic???...

Monsieur, we talk of Lugers...Not logic!!!...

mrerick · 05-19-2013, 12:01 PM

Hi Stephen, and welcome to the forum.

IIRC, the star marking was a Mauser factory mark for an inspection reject that was run through manufacturing a second or third time to correct the problem. After successfully passing inspection, the part was considered as correct as one that never had a problem.

If it couldn't be reworked properly after the second cycle through, it was scrapped.

I think you've got a nice one there. If all matching, and good bore, in the US geography I would think $1500-$1600 is a good price with non-matching magazine.

Marc

Frank B · 05-20-2013, 07:24 AM

Interesting...again the star comes out. I know there is controversy with the star and most agree it is a rejection mark. Are there examples with 2 stars(be great to see pics)? Someone once said they had one with 3...but by what was posted after 2 it was scapped. It would be great if this was covered in some books in more detail.

Bogr1988 · 05-20-2013, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

Hi Stephen, and welcome to the forum.

IIRC, the star marking was a Mauser factory mark for an inspection reject that was run through manufacturing a second or third time to correct the problem. After successfully passing inspection, the part was considered as correct as one that never had a problem.

If it couldn't be reworked properly after the second cycle through, it was scrapped.

I think you've got a nice one there. If all matching, and good bore, in the US geography I would think $1500-$1600 is a good price with non-matching magazine.

Marc

Marc,
Thanks but the star does not hurt the value and the weapon's performance?

Edward Tinker · 05-20-2013, 07:57 AM

No, star does not affect value much (many other markings would, such as import markings, british markings, etc, none of which this luger has)

I would say the $1400-$1600 is about right - depending on if you are buying or selling.

I have seen a star like this on French occupied (post war) and on other guns, it almost seems like the star/asterisk is a universal marking

mrerick · 05-20-2013, 09:05 AM

Agreed... the star does not affect value or performance. If it was military accepted, it was in specification at that time...

Marc

Bogr1988 · 05-20-2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

No, star does not affect value much (many other markings would, such as import markings, british markings, etc, none of which this luger has)

I would say the $1400-$1600 is about right - depending on if you are buying or selling.

I have seen a star like this on French occupied (post war) and on other guns, it almost seems like the star/asterisk is a universal marking

Well I bought it for $1800 because there has been a low amount of quality WWII produced lugers around. Might have been a bit high, now the debate is to whether or not should I shoot it?

sheepherder · 05-20-2013, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogr1988

Well I bought it for $1800 because there has been a low amount of quality WWII produced lugers around. Might have been a bit high, now the debate is to whether or not should I shoot it?

Steve, you don't note where you are. I'm in Western New York state; no big gun shows, dwindling gunshops (only two in an hours drive; used to be six - no smiths left at all). Lugers are rarely seen at any of the mid-state shows and usually as attention getters, if offered for sale, they are $500 - $800 more than estimates of comparable Lugers given here. I'd say you did OK; not great, but better than not having a Luger. A bird in the hand etc...

If it were me, I would buy a 100-rd box of Wal-Mart Winchester 'White Box' 115gr 'Target' ammunition, shoot two magazines worth and then clean it up good, oil it, and take it out occasionally and cycle it fondly...Like I do with mine...

Bogr1988 · 05-20-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by postino

Steve, you don't note where you are. I'm in Western New York state; no big gun shows, dwindling gunshops (only two in an hours drive; used to be six - no smiths left at all). Lugers are rarely seen at any of the mid-state shows and usually as attention getters, if offered for sale, they are $500 - $800 more than estimates of comparable Lugers given here. I'd say you did OK; not great, but better than not having a Luger. A bird in the hand etc...

If it were me, I would buy a 100-rd box of Wal-Mart Winchester 'White Box' 115gr 'Target' ammunition, shoot two magazines worth and then clean it up good, oil it, and take it out occasionally and cycle it fondly...Like I do with mine...

I am in NC. It is hard to find firearms anywhere, let alone a Luger. I have always wanted a Luger (too many WWII movies with my grandpa I guess).

DavidJayUden · 05-20-2013, 01:50 PM

Congratulations on your Luger. It is very nice and the price you paid is not unreasonable at all. Enjoy!
dju

rhuff · 05-20-2013, 04:06 PM

The only problem with purchasing one Luger is that it leads to a second, then a third.....and so on. Enjoy!!

Bogr1988 · 05-20-2013, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

Congratulations on your Luger. It is very nice and the price you paid is not unreasonable at all. Enjoy!
dju

Thank you. Won it on gunbroker.com, these things are hard to find now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhuff

The only problem with purchasing one Luger is that it leads to a second, then a third.....and so on. Enjoy!!

Thanks but I do not think I can afford more. They are very expensive.

skeeter4206 · 05-20-2013, 09:02 PM

Quote:

If it were me, I would buy a 100-rd box of Wal-Mart Winchester 'White Box' 115gr 'Target' ammunition, shoot two magazines worth and then clean it up good, oil it, and take it out occasionally and cycle it fondly...Like I do with mine...

I sure wish I could find some winchester white box 9MM. My luger used to shoot great with that ammo. I live in Georgia and I aint seen that brand in awhile now.

I tried a different brand today shooting and my luger didnt like it. I think they are remington. They have R-P on the bottom. I bought a big bag of ammo in a zip lock bag from a friend. They were cheap at least. Every spent casing had a bent lip on the casing like it was hitting something while being ejected.

As for the star. There is a picture of one in Ed Tinkers police lugers book. It looks almost exactly like yours in this thread. Its only a single stamp star though.

05-19-2013, 09:18 AM	#1
Bogr1988 User Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Luger 1940 42 with star on barrel I am new to lugers and I was wondering what you all could tell me about it and how much is it worth. The mag is not matching to the pistol. Also there is a star looking mark on the side of the barrel and I was wondering what that is. Thanks!

05-19-2013, 09:36 AM	#2
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,195 Thanks: 1,413 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	1940 Luger made by Mauser, looks to be all matching, and in very good condition... Tag for 'star' marking... __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

05-19-2013, 12:01 PM	#9
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,919 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	Hi Stephen, and welcome to the forum. IIRC, the star marking was a Mauser factory mark for an inspection reject that was run through manufacturing a second or third time to correct the problem. After successfully passing inspection, the part was considered as correct as one that never had a problem. If it couldn't be reworked properly after the second cycle through, it was scrapped. I think you've got a nice one there. If all matching, and good bore, in the US geography I would think $1500-$1600 is a good price with non-matching magazine. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

05-20-2013, 07:24 AM	#10
Frank B User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Augusta GA, aus Berlin...:) Posts: 78 Thanks: 20 Thanked 30 Times in 12 Posts	Interesting...again the star comes out. I know there is controversy with the star and most agree it is a rejection mark. Are there examples with 2 stars(be great to see pics)? Someone once said they had one with 3...but by what was posted after 2 it was scapped. It would be great if this was covered in some books in more detail. __________________ "Man muss manchmal in den sauren Apfel beißen"

05-20-2013, 07:57 AM	#12
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,960 Thanks: 2,062 Thanked 4,592 Times in 2,114 Posts	No, star does not affect value much (many other markings would, such as import markings, british markings, etc, none of which this luger has) I would say the $1400-$1600 is about right - depending on if you are buying or selling. I have seen a star like this on French occupied (post war) and on other guns, it almost seems like the star/asterisk is a universal marking __________________ 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

05-19-2013, 10:21 AM	#5
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	I'm not certain of the star marking, but do not be talked into paying more for it. That price seems a bit high, sort of last-man-oput retail. I'd rather see it at $1400. Do all internal numbers match, and what of the magazine? Bore condition? Holster? Oveall it seems like a nice, but not uncommon, Luger. Welcome. dju

05-19-2013, 11:10 AM	#7
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Postino: I can not disagree with your logic. dju

05-20-2013, 09:05 AM	#13
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,919 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	Agreed... the star does not affect value or performance. If it was military accepted, it was in specification at that time... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

05-20-2013, 01:50 PM	#17
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Congratulations on your Luger. It is very nice and the price you paid is not unreasonable at all. Enjoy! dju

05-20-2013, 04:06 PM	#18
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,305 Thanks: 2,735 Thanked 991 Times in 727 Posts	The only problem with purchasing one Luger is that it leads to a second, then a third.....and so on. Enjoy!!