Need help identifying/assessing P08

[ct11b]

Hello all,

I am in need of assistance in assessing the value of this Luger P08 (If this is indeed a P08).

I have less than two days to decide on it, co-worker is asking $1500 or selling to another co-worker (I want to make sure him or myself isn't being charged way over its value)

I assume, as the norm in other forums, to post an introduction, accrue a post count, and utilize the "search" function. But with the strict timeline I am under, as well as working 12hr night shift, I have little time to research this myself. As well as I literally have no idea at all what I'm looking for, or what I'm looking at in regards to Lugers, if this is indeed worth the purchasing price of $1500 or completely overpriced. The only knowledge I have of them, is how Germans were meticulous with serial numbers matching i.e. down to the magazine matching the gun, but that is all I know of, or rather assume to look for. And operating under that train of thought, the only matching number I see is "75".

[ct11b]

Enclosed are pictures I was able to gather on my phone, somewhat hard to obtain complete close up shots due to lighting and the shadow of my hand blocking it out any numbers.



No markings on this this, aside from near where the frame meets the barrel. It looks like "D C D, or "B C D", with what appears to be crowns above each letter, and an eagle or falcon



"4168" on the opposing side where frame meets the barrel

"75" marked on the...take down, disassembly lever? Right under the "4168"

"75" marked on the square surface above trigger

"38 / 58 / 68" (can't make it out) next to "75", I assume this is the safety bar, since moving the lever that exposes "Geisichert" moves it up and down

"Geisichert" for the "safety"?





"1912" at the end where frame meets barrel.

"75" on the thin strip...extractor / ejection port?

"S / 42" on the... extractor / ejection port?

"75" above the circular drum knobs / charging handle?

"75" on base plate behind rear sight



Holster saying 1939 Dresden.

And a black and silver bottom magazine. Silver one marked 1759

Any assistance or insight that can be provided is greatly appreciated.

I've longed wanted a luger. But I know impulsiveness shouldn't override logic, if this $1500 piece of hardware is some $200 reproduction made in the 70s or something.

[kurusu]

Let your coworker have it for that price. Unless he is a very good friend of yours.

What I mean is. It's a mismatched pistol and not in very good condition to boot. It isn't worth $1500

[Norme]

Run Collin, run!

[DavidJayUden]

If I understand correctly, it reads 1912 over the chamber on top, and back near the toggle it reads S/42? If that's the case it is mismatched and probably not worth much as a collector piece, but it may be a great shooter. Like I said, IF that is correct, then $1500 is too high, and $1000 is a lot closer. And then mainly because of the holster.
My suggestion is that you make a lower offer and the seller can take it or leave it. But don't rush into a bad deal.
Of course that's just my opinion and others may disagree.
dju

[ct11b]

Much appreciated for the quick responses (literally was about to leave to work).

Moving forward, in yalls professional opinion, what accounts for the mismatched parts ex. the "75" and as you stated 1912 over the chamber, and S / 42 above toggle?

His background story is that, it's his grandfather's take home, war trophy from WW2.

Seems logical enough for me to assume that due to it being a Luger, but could very well be a gun show, pawn shop pick up?

[kurusu]

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

If I understand correctly, it reads 1912 over the chamber on top, and back near the toggle it reads S/42? If that's the case it is mismatched and probably not worth much as a collector piece, but it may be a great shooter. Like I said, IF that is correct, then $1500 is too high, and $1000 is a lot closer. And then mainly because of the holster.
My suggestion is that you make a lower offer and the seller can take it or leave it. But don't rush into a bad deal.
Of course that's just my opinion and others may disagree.
dju

Not me.

The barrel extension is from a 1912 P08 the S/42 toggle is from a 1930's Mauser, the frame is Mauser from middle 1938 up.

So it's more than a P08. It's several P08s rolled into one.

[mrerick]

Since it is of mixed parts, it would not be considered collectible. It would only be valued as a "shooter" if, in fact, it is mechanically sound and works properly.

The pistol itself may be worth $1,000 if in good shape. The holster worth $200 if in good shape and unmolested. The extra mag worth $100 or so, more if a correct FXO plastic bottom magazine, much less if a modern reproduction (it isn't pictured).

Marc

[DonVoigt]

You can do better for less $$.
The "story" is worthless, and likely not true.

[4 Scale]

Originally Posted by ct11b

..what accounts for the mismatched parts ex. the "75" and as you stated 1912 over the chamber, and S / 42 above toggle?

His background story is that, it's his grandfather's take home, war trophy from WW2.

Seems logical enough for me to assume that due to it being a Luger, but could very well be a gun show, pawn shop pick up?

S/42 was code indicating the manufacturer (Mauser).

Just like some cars, Lugers are often cannibalized for parts as pistols age or components break. It is not uncommon to see a pistol like this one, assembled from several guns.

It's also common for Lugers to be come with stories intended to enhance value. Unless well documented, most collectors advise to ignore the story and evaluate the gun strictly on its merits.

Function is always a question on mismatched pistols. I also think new Luger owners should not pay for valuable accessories like holsters until they have a feel for where their interests lie. Given the poor cosmetics, quantity of mismatched parts, inclusion of a holster and high initial price I don't think this is good first Luger for anyone.

[lugerholsterrepair]

I would buy it for $700 IF the pistol actually shoots properly. $500 if I couldn't find out if it shoots. A lot of cobbled together mismatched Luger's just don't function. It might be the lighting but the condition looks kinda iffy.

[ct11b]

Greatly appreciate all of the knowledgeable and professional input on the matter, I am glad to have sought out subject matter experts on the topic. Definitely a nifty piece to look at and actually hold, even though the condition is definitely not the greatest. I guess that added a slight historical context to its appearance, that one can only imagine the story behind its origin, use, and the previous owners. As this is literally the third Luger I've seen. The other two being at the only two gun shows I ever attended. Aside from that, my limited knowledge only extends as far as what I've read and generalized to apply i.e. meticulous production with matching serial numbers on every part and accessory.

Once again, much thanks to all!

[rhuff]

I agree 100% with all of the above info.....your co-worker would not get my money for that mixmaster Luger.....you can do much better for $1500. Walk away!!

[Mac Cat]

the holster looks more interesting !

[MAUSER88]

Originally Posted by Mac Cat

the holster looks more interesting !

Exactly what I was thinking!!

[RShaw]

So.... what did you do? What happened?

[Sergio Natali]

I agree with Jerry, perhaps you could buy something similar of even better for about 700/800 $ especially if you'd like to start to educate yourself on Lugers, so with it you could learn how to disassemble and reassemble a Luger without being anxious of spoiling something precious or unique.