How / Where to sell / Estimate

thecrumb · 03-26-2011, 03:45 PM

I've been thinking of selling my grandfathers Luger. Would like to get something a bit more modern that I would be comfortable shooting.

All the numbers I can see match - and the only thing I know is missing is the small 'key' used to disassemble the gun.

I'm curious where the best place to sell a gun is? And how much I could reasonably expect to get for this one.

I know it's not in the greatest condition but I took it to a local gun shop and they quoted me around $600 which seemed a bit low to me.

I understand a gun shop can't give me full value because they need to turn around and make some $$. What legalities are involved with selling a gun to an individual? Or does that vary state by state?

And is there anything I can do maintenance wise that would help with the value? I watch Antiques Roadshow and they say never restore finishes etc

Any advice would be appreciated!

Jim

DavidJayUden · 03-26-2011, 05:18 PM

Can you post a few more photos? That will help us give you a better estimate.
Right here down in the "for sale" column is a very good place to start once an asking price has been reached.
As for the pawn shop quote, yes it is a bit low, but we can't say how low without more photos.
I hope you will think long and hard about selling Grand Dad's Luger for something more modern that is more comfortable to shoot. The remorse may be a few years out but it will come.
The only thing you should do to it is to maintain it so it does not rust. Do not attempt to improve its condition.
Selling to an individual is governed by your State/Local regs, so someone from NC could probably answer that better.
And my fingers are tired...
dju

thecrumb · 03-26-2011, 06:19 PM

David, anything in particular I should take photos of? I haven't convinced myself to sell yet - more curiosity at this point.

Will try to take some more tomorrow with better lighting.

Thanks!
Jim

mrerick · 03-26-2011, 09:29 PM

Hi,

Take overall photos showing both sides of the entire pistol.

Take closeups of all visible markings. This includes the top toggle, barrel serial number, etc.

Take the pictures in indirect natural light, not using flash. Diffuse light will show the finish more accurately.

The rules governing sales vary from state to state. You can sell directly to an individual out of state if they have a Federal Firearms License (FFL) of class 01 (dealer) or class 03 (Curio and Relic Collector).

If you sell within a state to a FFL, you must still observe state law on the transfer.

I would urge you to reconsider selling your family heirloom. It would be wiser to take good care of it, and save your money for something new to buy and shoot.

Your Luger should be lightly oiled, including the interior parts as well as the exterior. Try not to let oil soak into the wooden grips or the magazine base.

Don't do anything to alter the Luger. Don't refinish it. Don't try and remove oxidation. Just stabilize it with preservative oil. RemOil, a light gun oil, or something similar from Walmart. Don't handle it and leave fingerprints on it. There are things in your finger oil that will promote rust.

You have what appears to be an Imperial German era Luger in original finish. If all the numbered parts are matching, it is collectible.

Your grandfather may have received an authorization from his officer which allowed him to return to the US with his Luger. It would be part of the history of the pistol, and great if you located it.

There are members here that collect stories of these guns. Bring back stories. Please consider sharing it here.

Marc

Edward Tinker · 03-26-2011, 11:22 PM

I agree that selling a family heirloom is not always the best choice, but that said, if everyone kept their guns we would not have as many

Heirlooms can be different things to different folks, to Jim, it might be the fishing gear, or quilts that belonged to his grandparents, or kitchen items, it could be anything. So, he should think about selling or not, but remember that go with his heart.

The holster and sideplate are a bit rough, so.... that will bring value down...

Ed

03-26-2011, 03:45 PM	#1
thecrumb User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	How / Where to sell / Estimate I've been thinking of selling my grandfathers Luger. Would like to get something a bit more modern that I would be comfortable shooting. All the numbers I can see match - and the only thing I know is missing is the small 'key' used to disassemble the gun. I'm curious where the best place to sell a gun is? And how much I could reasonably expect to get for this one. I know it's not in the greatest condition but I took it to a local gun shop and they quoted me around $600 which seemed a bit low to me. I understand a gun shop can't give me full value because they need to turn around and make some $$. What legalities are involved with selling a gun to an individual? Or does that vary state by state? And is there anything I can do maintenance wise that would help with the value? I watch Antiques Roadshow and they say never restore finishes etc Any advice would be appreciated! Jim Attached Thumbnails

03-26-2011, 09:29 PM	#4
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,372 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	Hi, Take overall photos showing both sides of the entire pistol. Take closeups of all visible markings. This includes the top toggle, barrel serial number, etc. Take the pictures in indirect natural light, not using flash. Diffuse light will show the finish more accurately. The rules governing sales vary from state to state. You can sell directly to an individual out of state if they have a Federal Firearms License (FFL) of class 01 (dealer) or class 03 (Curio and Relic Collector). If you sell within a state to a FFL, you must still observe state law on the transfer. I would urge you to reconsider selling your family heirloom. It would be wiser to take good care of it, and save your money for something new to buy and shoot. Your Luger should be lightly oiled, including the interior parts as well as the exterior. Try not to let oil soak into the wooden grips or the magazine base. Don't do anything to alter the Luger. Don't refinish it. Don't try and remove oxidation. Just stabilize it with preservative oil. RemOil, a light gun oil, or something similar from Walmart. Don't handle it and leave fingerprints on it. There are things in your finger oil that will promote rust. You have what appears to be an Imperial German era Luger in original finish. If all the numbered parts are matching, it is collectible. Your grandfather may have received an authorization from his officer which allowed him to return to the US with his Luger. It would be part of the history of the pistol, and great if you located it. There are members here that collect stories of these guns. Bring back stories. Please consider sharing it here. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-26-2011, 11:22 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,911 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,502 Times in 2,077 Posts	I agree that selling a family heirloom is not always the best choice, but that said, if everyone kept their guns we would not have as many Heirlooms can be different things to different folks, to Jim, it might be the fishing gear, or quilts that belonged to his grandparents, or kitchen items, it could be anything. So, he should think about selling or not, but remember that go with his heart. The holster and sideplate are a bit rough, so.... that will bring value down... Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

03-26-2011, 05:18 PM	#2
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Can you post a few more photos? That will help us give you a better estimate. Right here down in the "for sale" column is a very good place to start once an asking price has been reached. As for the pawn shop quote, yes it is a bit low, but we can't say how low without more photos. I hope you will think long and hard about selling Grand Dad's Luger for something more modern that is more comfortable to shoot. The remorse may be a few years out but it will come. The only thing you should do to it is to maintain it so it does not rust. Do not attempt to improve its condition. Selling to an individual is governed by your State/Local regs, so someone from NC could probably answer that better. And my fingers are tired... dju

03-26-2011, 06:19 PM	#3
thecrumb User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	David, anything in particular I should take photos of? I haven't convinced myself to sell yet - more curiosity at this point. Will try to take some more tomorrow with better lighting. Thanks! Jim