Minature Toy Luger

Eugen · 10-02-2016, 07:43 PM

I encountered this little Luger at an antique store today and wanted to share a picture of it and inquire about it. English writing on the side says "Paratrooper Model 1117" on other side is "Hong Kong". The trigger functions and seems to possibly be a small cap type pistol. It is a SAO, unsurprisingly.

I have never seen one like this before. Is this a common toy item? Does anyone have one? What do you know about it? Date made?

Zorba · 10-02-2016, 09:49 PM

Thor can fix it right up!

Ron Wood · 10-02-2016, 10:01 PM

I have the exact same toy gun in "as new" condition. They were made to fire caps and with the corrosive nature of cap gun caps (usually mercury fulminate), firing even one cap seriously eroded the metal if it wasn't carefully cleaned and oiled after firing (and who does that with a toy?). The finish was a thin enamel, so it flaked/wore off easily. I have no idea when they were made but I would guess around the late 1980s, but it could be earlier or later for all I know.

John Sabato · 10-03-2016, 09:05 AM

that will buff right out!

Sieger · 10-04-2016, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

I have the exact same toy gun in "as new" condition. They were made to fire caps and with the corrosive nature of cap gun caps (usually mercury fulminate), firing even one cap seriously eroded the metal if it wasn't carefully cleaned and oiled after firing (and who does that with a toy?). The finish was a thin enamel, so it flaked/wore off easily. I have no idea when they were made but I would guess around the late 1980s, but it could be earlier or later for all I know.

Ron,

Both my brother and I were given cap firing Lugers at Christmas of 1959. Those were happy carefree days.

These were, probably, about 90% of original Luger size. If memory serves, they were made by "Marks".

I kept mine into the mid 1970s when it was mistakenly thrown away by Mom.

Oh well, since I'd been firing Dad's original Luger, since about 1966, the loss of a toy was not all that saddening to me.

Sieger

sheepherder · 10-04-2016, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sieger

Both my brother and I were given cap firing Lugers at Christmas of 1959...
These were, probably, about 90% of original Luger size. If memory serves, they were made by "Marks".

"Marx", like the comedian brothers.

I had one of the Marx Lugers; it was about 3" long IIRC. It was one in a series that Marx put out, some others being a Thompson SMG [about 6" long], a Colt SAA w/7 1/2" simulated barrel, a flintlock (it didn'r sell well), and a couple others I don't recall now.

I still have two of the Colt SAA's, one with corroded finish, one in good shape. They're 3 1/2" OAL, with white plastic grips. They're not anatomically correct, as the cylinder doesn't rotate and the front half tilts down like a Webley to insert the cap. I have the cardboard backing that the Colt toy was tied to; it simply says 'Marx Collectors Series'.

The Marx Luger was big enough for a 1959 9-year old to get his finger in the trigger guard. Brown plastic grips IIRC. I occasionally Search for one on eBay but haven't seen any lately...or at all...

Edit: one of the Marx Lugers was for sale on eBay up until 10 minutes ago...

sheepherder · 10-07-2016, 01:24 PM

I'll add this post on to Eugen's, as they are both miniature Lugers...

This is the Marx cap-firing miniature, it's actually 3 3/8" long, comes in an aqua plastic 4" x 5 5/8" case. The 'accessory' section of the case actually came with three old [56 years?] rolls of caps.

Zinc cast metal with brown plastic grips, right half of cannon & upper frame assembly is a separate piece. Toggle actually works, but just two pieces, no separate breechblock. A coil spring inside the grip actuates the toggle, snaps forward to fire cap.

Marking on toggle - 'byf' and '53', 'MARX' on right side of chamber, '1253KG' on left side of chamber (I think), '53' on sideplate.

Dull charcoal color, doesn't look like it was ever fired. Satin finish.

Looks like it would be easy to cut the barrel off and fit a new threaded steel one. Drill & tap the frame for it, make up a set of wood grips. Scallop the toggle knobs. Fun mods.

Nah! Too much work! It's no Crottet, that's for sure!!!

(30 Luger cartridge case shown alongside for size comparison.)

Ron Wood · 10-07-2016, 04:49 PM

I like the clothespin holdopen device!

Sieger · 10-08-2016, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

I like the clothespin holdopen device!

Ron,

Yes, it does add a bit of class.

Sieger

10-02-2016, 07:43 PM	#1
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 793 Thanks: 401 Thanked 634 Times in 336 Posts	Minature Toy Luger I encountered this little Luger at an antique store today and wanted to share a picture of it and inquire about it. English writing on the side says "Paratrooper Model 1117" on other side is "Hong Kong". The trigger functions and seems to possibly be a small cap type pistol. It is a SAO, unsurprisingly. I have never seen one like this before. Is this a common toy item? Does anyone have one? What do you know about it? Date made? Attached Thumbnails __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

10-02-2016, 10:01 PM	#3
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,035 Thanks: 1,106 Thanked 5,242 Times in 1,719 Posts	I have the exact same toy gun in "as new" condition. They were made to fire caps and with the corrosive nature of cap gun caps (usually mercury fulminate), firing even one cap seriously eroded the metal if it wasn't carefully cleaned and oiled after firing (and who does that with a toy?). The finish was a thin enamel, so it flaked/wore off easily. I have no idea when they were made but I would guess around the late 1980s, but it could be earlier or later for all I know. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

10-03-2016, 09:05 AM	#4
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,155 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	that will buff right out! __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

10-07-2016, 01:24 PM	#7
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	I'll add this post on to Eugen's, as they are both miniature Lugers... This is the Marx cap-firing miniature, it's actually 3 3/8" long, comes in an aqua plastic 4" x 5 5/8" case. The 'accessory' section of the case actually came with three old [56 years?] rolls of caps. Zinc cast metal with brown plastic grips, right half of cannon & upper frame assembly is a separate piece. Toggle actually works, but just two pieces, no separate breechblock. A coil spring inside the grip actuates the toggle, snaps forward to fire cap. Marking on toggle - 'byf' and '53', 'MARX' on right side of chamber, '1253KG' on left side of chamber (I think), '53' on sideplate. Dull charcoal color, doesn't look like it was ever fired. Satin finish. Looks like it would be easy to cut the barrel off and fit a new threaded steel one. Drill & tap the frame for it, make up a set of wood grips. Scallop the toggle knobs. Fun mods. Nah! Too much work! It's no Crottet, that's for sure!!! (30 Luger cartridge case shown alongside for size comparison.) Attached Thumbnails __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

10-07-2016, 04:49 PM	#8
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,035 Thanks: 1,106 Thanked 5,242 Times in 1,719 Posts	I like the clothespin holdopen device! __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

10-02-2016, 09:49 PM	#2
Zorba User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Merritt Island, Fl Posts: 952 Thanks: 777 Thanked 528 Times in 290 Posts	Thor can fix it right up!