G Date S-42 Luger

02-13-2002, 03:46 PM

I just bought my first Luger, it is a G date S-42 Mauser. It is all matching except for the toggle, breechblock, and magazine. The toggle and breechblock match themselves, and the mag has an aluminum bottom with an eagle over 655. The blueing is 80% and the straw is roughly 50%. I was wondering how many of these were produced in 1935 and what about its value? I purchased it for $600 and it came with an original hardshell holster in very good condition. It is not import stamped anywhere and it actually has the soldiers initials on the holster with unit markings. The holster is marked WERKE 1915 BERLIN and was originally brown but was dyed black for WWII. Did I get a good deal? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks, PHIL

Thor · 02-13-2002, 04:23 PM

A shooter Luger for $500 and an original holster for $100 (dyed, hurts it quite a bit for value) I'd said you got a fair deal. ~Thor~

Orv Reichert · 02-13-2002, 04:25 PM

When I hear the word 'except'...I ignore all that preceeded it...as:

""all matching except for the toggle, breechblock""

Your gun is a mismatch...period. There is no such thing as ALMOST matching.

In my opinion, the cost is not out of line if the holster is nice? It is a 'shooter' and price/value would be about the same as the P08s currently being imported plus whatever the 1915 holster is worth.

Orv Reichert

Orv Reichert · 02-13-2002, 04:27 PM

Jim Van Eldik · 02-13-2002, 06:46 PM

Take it out and shoot it, oil it, fondle it, show it to your jealous friends. In other words, enjoy the hell out of it. These things are not about money dammit! (By the way, you did fine)

02-13-2002, 06:52 PM

Orv, I am NOT trying to sell you this pistol so your extreme criticisms are not appreciated. I was merely attempting to describe my pistol as accurately as possible. Please attempt to be a little more civil in the future. Any information as to how many were produced would be appreciated if anyone out there knows. Thanks, PHIL

02-13-2002, 06:56 PM

Thanks Jim! The hobby needs more people like you in it. Thanks, PHIL

bill m · 02-13-2002, 08:04 PM

Hi Phil,

I think Orv answered your questions accurately and without criticism. There were no G-dates produced like yours with a mismatched toggle and ect., but about 54,000 G-dates were produced. You did not mention what the serial number of the frame was, as these were produced from the early "A" block into the mid "F" block with six different acceptance marks inwhich some are a lot lower production variations than others, for instance the early "A" block with the B/90-S/91 is far less seen than a W/154-S/92 variation. Also, you did not mention what type of grips it had and how good they were, or the bore, or if a tool was in the holster. You have just what Orv stated you have: a mismatched shooter. In my opinion you did not steal it by any means, but sounds like about market value to me. Enjoy it and bet it will shoot well for you and give you lots of hours of enjoyment.

John Sabato · 02-14-2002, 10:04 AM

I think what you got reflects current market value.

In Orv's defense, Please remember that the printed form of communication we use here on the forum carries no tone of voice, no emotion, and no feelings with it. Orv's comments were accurate, but brief.

Though he specializes in P.38 and PP/PPK type pistols, he has been collecting for MANY years and has very likely forgotten more about Lugers than most of the regular posters on this forum. He gives sage advice and personally knows history on some Luger variations that you won't find in many, if any, references.

Enjoy your Luger because you can... Think of all the poor souls that don't have one! or that only own those that are so rare and precious as to make firing them a crime because it risks damage to a unique piece of history!

best regards,

John

John Sabato · 02-14-2002, 10:06 AM

02-14-2002, 10:23 AM

Phil, About 5500 G date were made by Mauser in 1935. They run from the 3 digit a suffix block to the mid F block. Tom h

02-14-2002, 10:29 AM

Oops, I missed a zero, 55,000 made.

Orv Reichert · 02-14-2002, 02:01 PM

I really did not mean to offend...but [obviously] I did?

Sorry !

Orv Reichert

02-14-2002, 09:59 PM

To help preserve the value of this luger, put reproduction grips on it. The original grips are fragile after 65 years (were actually fragile to begin with as many were replaced in service) and orig grip pairs can cost $75 and up.

The value of a luger and holster like you describe runs right at about $600 so you are right on the money. $425-550 pistol and $70-130 for a period-dyed 1915 holster.

congratulations,

dave

02-15-2002, 10:29 AM

When a person buys a mismatched Luger, often they understandably want to know as much history as possible on the basic pistol. I bought a 1914 Erfurt LP08 with a DWM toggle. The fact that it had a mismatched toggle did not make me less interested in finding out all I could about 1914 Erfurt artilleries. I am just as interested in information about my $695 pistol as is the new owner of a $2,000 El Perfecto artillery.

People new to the LugerForum see posts where "shooter" Lugers are claimed to have no more than $300 to $350 value if one part is mismatched. I note "advanced" collectors are willing to overlook the fact that the magazine is mismatched since much of their collections would otherwise be lowered to "shooter" status.

Then when a post is made requesting information and it is answered with a brief "you only have a shooter" type of reply, it is natural to infer (although possibly incorrectly) that the intent of the post was to imply "you have a $300 pistol and you paid twice what it is worth."

It would suit me just fine if I never saw the word "shooter" again. Everybody knows that (original) matching numbers increase value just as does a high percentage of original finish, no question about it. But the artifical distinction between "junk" shooters and collectable Lugers is a distinction that is not a firm line that can be drawn at some point. A mismatched or unmarked firing pin does not necessarily reduce value to $300 or even $450. Otherwise, all Lugers with mismatched magazines would be $300 junk shooters.

02-15-2002, 12:10 PM

See! This is the kind of thing about this forum. Sometimes there are differences of opinion and we all have certain items that get to us, but jeez, the people I have met have been friendly and helpful!

The knowledge base here is outstanding!

Ed

02-16-2002, 12:03 PM

I agree 100% with Bill---maybe there is hope for this forum after all!!

Marvin · 02-16-2002, 02:47 PM

Art,

I also agree with what Bill stated, A Luger is a Luger! I also think that a number of the mismatched pistols were done during wartime service (the import marked Russian pistols [robably are exceptions), and are historically important. I do not "snub" anyones pistol!

Marvin

02-17-2002, 12:01 AM

Outstanding reasoning. While some of my Lugers do not meet the ranks of so called collectability I enjoy them all. Sometimes they were the only thing I could afford. I do envy the guys with the big bucks and the real rare items but I belive I enjoy my collecton as much as they do, and per chance if I get a scratch on them from letting someone hold them I don't have to worry about how much value they lost. I belive that every one should enjoy there collection and the fun is in hoping that something different is going to show up that you can afford or is somewhat rare or unknown.

02-13-2002, 03:46 PM	#1
Phil Poulos Guest Posts: n/a	G Date S-42 Luger I just bought my first Luger, it is a G date S-42 Mauser. It is all matching except for the toggle, breechblock, and magazine. The toggle and breechblock match themselves, and the mag has an aluminum bottom with an eagle over 655. The blueing is 80% and the straw is roughly 50%. I was wondering how many of these were produced in 1935 and what about its value? I purchased it for $600 and it came with an original hardshell holster in very good condition. It is not import stamped anywhere and it actually has the soldiers initials on the holster with unit markings. The holster is marked WERKE 1915 BERLIN and was originally brown but was dyed black for WWII. Did I get a good deal? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks, PHIL

02-13-2002, 04:23 PM	#2
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Re: G Date S-42 Luger A shooter Luger for $500 and an original holster for $100 (dyed, hurts it quite a bit for value) I'd said you got a fair deal. ~Thor~

02-13-2002, 04:25 PM	#3
Orv Reichert RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	G date mismatch Luger When I hear the word 'except'...I ignore all that preceeded it...as: ""all matching except for the toggle, breechblock"" Your gun is a mismatch...period. There is no such thing as ALMOST matching. In my opinion, the cost is not out of line if the holster is nice? It is a 'shooter' and price/value would be about the same as the P08s currently being imported plus whatever the 1915 holster is worth. Orv Reichert

02-13-2002, 04:27 PM	#4
Orv Reichert RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	We think alike, Thor........Orv (EOM)

02-13-2002, 06:46 PM	#5
Jim Van Eldik User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 76 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: G Date S-42 Luger Take it out and shoot it, oil it, fondle it, show it to your jealous friends. In other words, enjoy the hell out of it. These things are not about money dammit! (By the way, you did fine)

02-13-2002, 06:52 PM	#6
Phil Poulos Guest Posts: n/a	Re: G date mismatch Luger Orv, I am NOT trying to sell you this pistol so your extreme criticisms are not appreciated. I was merely attempting to describe my pistol as accurately as possible. Please attempt to be a little more civil in the future. Any information as to how many were produced would be appreciated if anyone out there knows. Thanks, PHIL

02-13-2002, 06:56 PM	#7
Phil Poulos Guest Posts: n/a	Re: G Date S-42 Luger Thanks Jim! The hobby needs more people like you in it. Thanks, PHIL

02-13-2002, 08:04 PM	#8
bill m User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 385 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Calm Down Hi Phil, I think Orv answered your questions accurately and without criticism. There were no G-dates produced like yours with a mismatched toggle and ect., but about 54,000 G-dates were produced. You did not mention what the serial number of the frame was, as these were produced from the early "A" block into the mid "F" block with six different acceptance marks inwhich some are a lot lower production variations than others, for instance the early "A" block with the B/90-S/91 is far less seen than a W/154-S/92 variation. Also, you did not mention what type of grips it had and how good they were, or the bore, or if a tool was in the holster. You have just what Orv stated you have: a mismatched shooter. In my opinion you did not steal it by any means, but sounds like about market value to me. Enjoy it and bet it will shoot well for you and give you lots of hours of enjoyment.

02-14-2002, 10:04 AM	#9
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	I think you made a reasonablely good deal Phil... I think what you got reflects current market value. In Orv's defense, Please remember that the printed form of communication we use here on the forum carries no tone of voice, no emotion, and no feelings with it. Orv's comments were accurate, but brief. Though he specializes in P.38 and PP/PPK type pistols, he has been collecting for MANY years and has very likely forgotten more about Lugers than most of the regular posters on this forum. He gives sage advice and personally knows history on some Luger variations that you won't find in many, if any, references. Enjoy your Luger because you can... Think of all the poor souls that don't have one! or that only own those that are so rare and precious as to make firing them a crime because it risks damage to a unique piece of history! best regards, John

02-14-2002, 10:06 AM	#10
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Reasonably good deal! DARN that SPELLCHECKER!

02-14-2002, 10:23 AM	#11
tom h Guest Posts: n/a	Re: G date mismatch Luger Phil, About 5500 G date were made by Mauser in 1935. They run from the 3 digit a suffix block to the mid F block. Tom h

02-14-2002, 10:29 AM	#12
tom h Guest Posts: n/a	Re: G date mismatch Luger Oops, I missed a zero, 55,000 made.

02-14-2002, 02:01 PM	#13
Orv Reichert RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks John!.....Orv I really did not mean to offend...but [obviously] I did? Sorry ! Orv Reichert

02-14-2002, 09:59 PM	#14
mlm Guest Posts: n/a	Re: G Date S-42 Luger To help preserve the value of this luger, put reproduction grips on it. The original grips are fragile after 65 years (were actually fragile to begin with as many were replaced in service) and orig grip pairs can cost $75 and up. The value of a luger and holster like you describe runs right at about $600 so you are right on the money. $425-550 pistol and $70-130 for a period-dyed 1915 holster. congratulations, dave

02-15-2002, 10:29 AM	#15
Bill Utterback Guest Posts: n/a	Re: G Date S-42 Luger When a person buys a mismatched Luger, often they understandably want to know as much history as possible on the basic pistol. I bought a 1914 Erfurt LP08 with a DWM toggle. The fact that it had a mismatched toggle did not make me less interested in finding out all I could about 1914 Erfurt artilleries. I am just as interested in information about my $695 pistol as is the new owner of a $2,000 El Perfecto artillery. People new to the LugerForum see posts where "shooter" Lugers are claimed to have no more than $300 to $350 value if one part is mismatched. I note "advanced" collectors are willing to overlook the fact that the magazine is mismatched since much of their collections would otherwise be lowered to "shooter" status. Then when a post is made requesting information and it is answered with a brief "you only have a shooter" type of reply, it is natural to infer (although possibly incorrectly) that the intent of the post was to imply "you have a $300 pistol and you paid twice what it is worth." It would suit me just fine if I never saw the word "shooter" again. Everybody knows that (original) matching numbers increase value just as does a high percentage of original finish, no question about it. But the artifical distinction between "junk" shooters and collectable Lugers is a distinction that is not a firm line that can be drawn at some point. A mismatched or unmarked firing pin does not necessarily reduce value to $300 or even $450. Otherwise, all Lugers with mismatched magazines would be $300 junk shooters.

02-15-2002, 12:10 PM	#16
66mustang Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Thanks John!.....Orv See! This is the kind of thing about this forum. Sometimes there are differences of opinion and we all have certain items that get to us, but jeez, the people I have met have been friendly and helpful! The knowledge base here is outstanding! Ed

02-16-2002, 12:03 PM	#17
Art Buchanan Guest Posts: n/a	Re: G Date S-42 Luger I agree 100% with Bill---maybe there is hope for this forum after all!!

02-16-2002, 02:47 PM	#18
Marvin User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 1,132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: G Date S-42 Luger Art, I also agree with what Bill stated, A Luger is a Luger! I also think that a number of the mismatched pistols were done during wartime service (the import marked Russian pistols [robably are exceptions), and are historically important. I do not "snub" anyones pistol! Marvin

02-17-2002, 12:01 AM	#19
Tracy Guest Posts: n/a	Re: G Date S-42 Luger Outstanding reasoning. While some of my Lugers do not meet the ranks of so called collectability I enjoy them all. Sometimes they were the only thing I could afford. I do envy the guys with the big bucks and the real rare items but I belive I enjoy my collecton as much as they do, and per chance if I get a scratch on them from letting someone hold them I don't have to worry about how much value they lost. I belive that every one should enjoy there collection and the fun is in hoping that something different is going to show up that you can afford or is somewhat rare or unknown.