1st Luger. I would like help on ID and value - Page 2

Kiwi · 12-24-2020, 09:31 AM

When did matching numbers become important ?
In early days it was to ensure it functioned as parts were fitted
No one in a war wants uncertainty - when needed it has to work

But I was referring to collectability
At the end of WWII the GI just wanted an iconic firearm to take home
as has been shown on this forum, as late as the 60's they sold for $29.95

and then at some point they became collectable to a wider audience
and then we got picky
It was no longer will it function - no urgency on function now
It was "Is it pretty" for the bluing, straw, grips, and bore
And then we get "Is it original" as it left the factory - for the first time
Those last two have led to the price stretch

Most collectable pricing directly corelates to rarity
As thousands of these were made - it became how many survived "perfect"
And like coins - the rarity varied by maker and year to start, and survival percentage later

I think the OP did very well for $700

Heinz · 12-24-2020, 10:56 AM

Yes, that is the million-dollar chip. Overstamps are usually the work of hooligans. The decimal point on the toggle link is not an appropriate mark. Also notice the fonts used on the fours They should all be of the same style I believe. Not the same point size but the same style. The typical German four has a slanted top BUT the top is not completely closed. I am not an expert on Erfurts.
All in all you still got a great price if it shoots, and you do not have to be afraid to shoot it.

ithacaartist · 12-24-2020, 02:24 PM

The sear also has the decimal point accompanying the over-stamp. Unusual, for sure

rhuff · 12-24-2020, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jhon P

Is this the million dollar break?

Yep.....It happens often if one is unfamiliar with Lugers.....gets in a hurry to remove the left grip....shooting Luger with loose grip...etc.

As mentioned above, it can be repaired if those grips are numbered to your Luger. If not matching numbers, then your choice as to what to do.

Sonofeugene · 12-26-2020, 03:29 AM

If you get a holster, do not store the gun in the holster.

12-24-2020, 02:24 PM	#23
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,346 Thanks: 7,277 Thanked 2,578 Times in 1,365 Posts	The sear also has the decimal point accompanying the over-stamp. Unusual, for sure __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

12-24-2020, 09:31 AM	#21
Kiwi User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Wrong side of the Delaware river Posts: 307 Thanks: 215 Thanked 435 Times in 172 Posts	When did matching numbers become important ? In early days it was to ensure it functioned as parts were fitted No one in a war wants uncertainty - when needed it has to work But I was referring to collectability At the end of WWII the GI just wanted an iconic firearm to take home as has been shown on this forum, as late as the 60's they sold for $29.95 and then at some point they became collectable to a wider audience and then we got picky It was no longer will it function - no urgency on function now It was "Is it pretty" for the bluing, straw, grips, and bore And then we get "Is it original" as it left the factory - for the first time Those last two have led to the price stretch Most collectable pricing directly corelates to rarity As thousands of these were made - it became how many survived "perfect" And like coins - the rarity varied by maker and year to start, and survival percentage later I think the OP did very well for $700

12-24-2020, 10:56 AM	#22
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	Yes, that is the million-dollar chip. Overstamps are usually the work of hooligans. The decimal point on the toggle link is not an appropriate mark. Also notice the fonts used on the fours They should all be of the same style I believe. Not the same point size but the same style. The typical German four has a slanted top BUT the top is not completely closed. I am not an expert on Erfurts. All in all you still got a great price if it shoots, and you do not have to be afraid to shoot it.

12-26-2020, 03:29 AM	#25
Sonofeugene User Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 157 Thanks: 1 Thanked 118 Times in 64 Posts	If you get a holster, do not store the gun in the holster.