New to Lugers - Question about numbered parts

WWIINut · 05-20-2019, 09:48 PM

I just made a trade with one of my gun buddies and acquired a 1916 DWM Luger. Its in decent condition and from what I can tell has all original finish. All the parts that should be straw finish look that way. The barrel has moderate pitting for the first inch or so and then slight pitting to muzzle.

As far as numbered parts, he grips have definitely been replaced at some point and have no number. The magazine is correct for the date but doesnt match. All the other numbered parts match the primary serial number except for the takedown lever (locking bolt). The odd thing is that the number of the lever is "85" and everything else is "86". Now, I wouldnt question it being replaced if the number were "19" or "34" - something completely different. But, is there any chance that they miss stamped or switched them at the factory? (I know, who knows what they did over a hundred years ago!) It just seems like very low odds that it could be replaced years later, just this part, with one number off.

Another question - given the described condition, what would be the approximate range of value? I just want to be sure my trade wasn't too out of line.

THANKS!

DavidJayUden · 05-20-2019, 10:07 PM

Most will say that given the mismatched numbers and repro. grips this one is a low end collectible or more likely, a shooter. The takedown lever being just one digit off MAY have occurred at the factory, but who knows? It is mismatched and will hurt the value, which I would ball-park at around $1000 based just on these photos.

DonVoigt · 05-20-2019, 10:09 PM

Welcome to the board.

Chances of a "factory error"- zero. Someone put it on because it was "close"; guys try all the time to match up their parts, problem is even if the last two digits are the same, it is still quite likely not the "original" part.

If you want to tell us what you have "in" it, someone will say good or bad!
You basically have what would be a "shooter", if it shoots well.

WWIINut · 05-20-2019, 10:28 PM

Thats about what I was thinking for the part and the value. You are right that even if it did happen at the factory, it doesn't matter. It is what it is.

I dont even know exactly what I had in what I traded but I think it was $900-$1000. I trade too much!

Thanks!!!

wlyon · 05-20-2019, 11:50 PM

I think you did fine. If you like it then you made a good trade. Every time I sell/buy or trade I have a couple days of agonizing then everything is alright. I doubt if I am alone. Enjoy!! Bill

05-20-2019, 09:48 PM	#1
WWIINut New User Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	New to Lugers - Question about numbered parts I just made a trade with one of my gun buddies and acquired a 1916 DWM Luger. Its in decent condition and from what I can tell has all original finish. All the parts that should be straw finish look that way. The barrel has moderate pitting for the first inch or so and then slight pitting to muzzle. As far as numbered parts, he grips have definitely been replaced at some point and have no number. The magazine is correct for the date but doesnt match. All the other numbered parts match the primary serial number except for the takedown lever (locking bolt). The odd thing is that the number of the lever is "85" and everything else is "86". Now, I wouldnt question it being replaced if the number were "19" or "34" - something completely different. But, is there any chance that they miss stamped or switched them at the factory? (I know, who knows what they did over a hundred years ago!) It just seems like very low odds that it could be replaced years later, just this part, with one number off. Another question - given the described condition, what would be the approximate range of value? I just want to be sure my trade wasn't too out of line. THANKS! Attached Thumbnails

05-20-2019, 10:09 PM	#3
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,350 Times in 2,040 Posts	Welcome to the board. Chances of a "factory error"- zero. Someone put it on because it was "close"; guys try all the time to match up their parts, problem is even if the last two digits are the same, it is still quite likely not the "original" part. If you want to tell us what you have "in" it, someone will say good or bad! You basically have what would be a "shooter", if it shoots well. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

05-20-2019, 11:50 PM	#5
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,635 Thanks: 3,174 Thanked 2,556 Times in 954 Posts	I think you did fine. If you like it then you made a good trade. Every time I sell/buy or trade I have a couple days of agonizing then everything is alright. I doubt if I am alone. Enjoy!! Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

05-20-2019, 10:07 PM	#2
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Most will say that given the mismatched numbers and repro. grips this one is a low end collectible or more likely, a shooter. The takedown lever being just one digit off MAY have occurred at the factory, but who knows? It is mismatched and will hurt the value, which I would ball-park at around $1000 based just on these photos.

05-20-2019, 10:28 PM	#4
WWIINut New User Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thats about what I was thinking for the part and the value. You are right that even if it did happen at the factory, it doesn't matter. It is what it is. I dont even know exactly what I had in what I traded but I think it was $900-$1000. I trade too much! Thanks!!!