Collector's standards for Lugers

jeb111 · 11-13-2021, 11:30 AM

I'm sure it has been talked about many times but I was curious what most collectors look for and what they are willing to compromise on when getting a Luger? Of course 100% original finish, completely matching #'s is what everyone wants but with availability of funds and Lugers that isn't always an option. For me in a military Luger I will sacrifice some original finish, bore condition isn't terribly important but I do place value on matching #'s but not matching mag's or even firing pins or hold opens. A commercial I place more importance on original finish condition and matching #'s, bore condition I don't expect pristine but I don't want a haled out one either. Just curious what other guys think is important.
Jim

hayhugh · 11-13-2021, 12:05 PM

I think you covered it quite well Jim............

Doubs · 11-13-2021, 01:50 PM

Unless it's a very rare variation, bore condition does matter to me. I won't buy a shot out or badly corroded bore. Otherwise, matching numbers, grip condition and original finish are important.

Mac Cat · 11-13-2021, 02:15 PM

I look for a complete gun in working order with the matching parts. I'm most curious about the technical and mechanical details of a gun, as well as the accessories. I have two lugers for shooting, as well.

gunnertwo · 11-13-2021, 03:44 PM

In my experience, if the bore is trash and the outside is excellent I'm pretty sure it refinished.

G2

Edward Tinker · 11-13-2021, 03:54 PM

Jim did cover it well, although we all look different on bores, what is a percentage of finish, and for me, rarer or desirable I will let the other things slide a bit.

HerrKaiser · 11-13-2021, 04:55 PM

Beginners vs more advanced collectors will also influence choices to acceptable and desired qualities.

4 Scale · 11-13-2021, 05:14 PM

The better the price the more issues can be tolerated, within a range.

Wear is not only OK but actually desirable, given the number of refinishes I have seen that a seller touted as high condition/original finish. I generally tolerate hold opens and grips not being numbered to the gun as those numbers are not visible unless the pistol is dis-assembled.

Personally I don't acquire pistols with significant visible rust, that tends to be a deal killer for me.

cirelaw · 11-13-2021, 05:48 PM

Inflation!

Vlim · 11-14-2021, 11:29 AM

It depends on variation, markings, interest, needed for study in my case. I'm not too interested in 'perfect' examples as my budget is limited.

I'd rather purchase an ugly gun with a cool feature than a perfect gun with none. Excessive rust and over the top refinishes are a no go to me, arsenal refininishes excluded.

spangy · 11-14-2021, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlim

I'd rather purchase an ugly gun with a cool feature than a perfect gun with none. Excessive rust and over the top refinishes are a no go to me, arsenal refininishes excluded.

I could not have said it any better myself and Vlim's requirements reflect my own to a tee.

One thing an 'ugly' gun usually has over a 'pimped' gun is history and that history is what makes collecting such an exciting addictive endeavor.

11-13-2021, 11:30 AM	#1
jeb111 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: May 2018 Location: wyoming Posts: 275 Thanks: 680 Thanked 325 Times in 131 Posts	Collector's standards for Lugers I'm sure it has been talked about many times but I was curious what most collectors look for and what they are willing to compromise on when getting a Luger? Of course 100% original finish, completely matching #'s is what everyone wants but with availability of funds and Lugers that isn't always an option. For me in a military Luger I will sacrifice some original finish, bore condition isn't terribly important but I do place value on matching #'s but not matching mag's or even firing pins or hold opens. A commercial I place more importance on original finish condition and matching #'s, bore condition I don't expect pristine but I don't want a haled out one either. Just curious what other guys think is important. Jim

11-13-2021, 04:55 PM	#7
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 800 Thanks: 750 Thanked 793 Times in 376 Posts	Beginners vs more advanced collectors will also influence choices to acceptable and desired qualities. __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

11-13-2021, 12:05 PM	#2
hayhugh User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida/Penna Posts: 882 Thanks: 848 Thanked 507 Times in 270 Posts	I think you covered it quite well Jim............

11-13-2021, 01:50 PM	#3
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,670 Thanks: 769 Thanked 1,611 Times in 525 Posts	Unless it's a very rare variation, bore condition does matter to me. I won't buy a shot out or badly corroded bore. Otherwise, matching numbers, grip condition and original finish are important.

11-13-2021, 02:15 PM	#4
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 670 Thanks: 2,009 Thanked 542 Times in 292 Posts	I look for a complete gun in working order with the matching parts. I'm most curious about the technical and mechanical details of a gun, as well as the accessories. I have two lugers for shooting, as well.

11-13-2021, 03:44 PM	#5
gunnertwo User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Nampa, Idaho Posts: 605 Thanks: 803 Thanked 909 Times in 351 Posts	In my experience, if the bore is trash and the outside is excellent I'm pretty sure it refinished. G2

11-13-2021, 03:54 PM	#6
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Jim did cover it well, although we all look different on bores, what is a percentage of finish, and for me, rarer or desirable I will let the other things slide a bit.

11-13-2021, 05:14 PM	#8
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 489 Times in 251 Posts	The better the price the more issues can be tolerated, within a range. Wear is not only OK but actually desirable, given the number of refinishes I have seen that a seller touted as high condition/original finish. I generally tolerate hold opens and grips not being numbered to the gun as those numbers are not visible unless the pistol is dis-assembled. Personally I don't acquire pistols with significant visible rust, that tends to be a deal killer for me.

11-13-2021, 05:48 PM	#9
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	Inflation!

11-14-2021, 11:29 AM	#10
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,032 Thanks: 1,018 Thanked 3,873 Times in 1,184 Posts	It depends on variation, markings, interest, needed for study in my case. I'm not too interested in 'perfect' examples as my budget is limited. I'd rather purchase an ugly gun with a cool feature than a perfect gun with none. Excessive rust and over the top refinishes are a no go to me, arsenal refininishes excluded.