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

Kiwi · 12-24-2020, 08:31 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

12-24-2020, 08:31 AM	#22
Kiwi User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Wrong side of the Delaware river Posts: 291 Thanks: 198 Thanked 413 Times in 162 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