Artillers Luger at Gunshow - missing sight - questions

Revolvr · 01-22-2005, 06:35 PM

Hi fellow Luger fans,

Saw an artillery Luger at a gun show today and thought about buying it. But I had a couple of concerns.

This is a 1917 dated DWM model, all part numbers visible matched except the rear toggle link. It was missing the sight that belongs on the barrel. I think this sight had been lost and a previous owner decided then to replace the rear toggle with a regular toggle with the V-notch for a sight.

The dealer said this wasn't a real artillery piece and that it had been created from parts. But since all obvious parts match except the rear toggle, I think this is an actual artillery piece with a missing sight and the wrong rear toggle.

Otherwise it was in good shape, bluing looked original and at 50-70%, grips looked good. Didn't see the magazine.

So my questions are:

Would it be reasonable for me to expect to find a correct barrel site somewhere I could re-attach? Is it reasonable to run across the correct rear toggle piece? Obviously it would not have the right numbers, but at least it would be the right part.

And what would be a rough value of the piece in it's current configuration? Would the value go up if I find the sight and proper toggle part?

Thanks much,

-- Dan

George Anderson · 01-22-2005, 06:42 PM

The dealer selling the piece is an honest bloke and you should embrace him and give him a kiss. The pistol has greater parts value than it does weapon value. Walk away.

Ron Smith · 01-23-2005, 08:21 AM

Dan,
Was the rear sight band still there? Your chances of finding a complete rear sight,and toggle, period. Are slim at most. And if you did, they would be very expensive. The only rear sight I have seen for sale, was $200+. And that did'nt include the set screw. The toggle would cost you at least that much. So, I would , as George says, walk away.

However, I don't have Georges affection for honest dealers. So the huggy - kissy thing, is out of the question. A hand shake...maybe.

Ron

Revolvr · 01-23-2005, 02:57 PM

Thanks for your inputs. Without any remains of the sight and wrong rear toggle, and spares being hard to find, I agree this becomes at best a shooter with an unusually long barrel.

I hadn't gone to the gunshow with the intent of finding another Luger to buy, but it was singing to me. Anyway I passed on it.

By the way, the asking price was $779.

thanks again,

-- Dan

01-22-2005, 06:35 PM	#1
Revolvr User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 86 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Artillers Luger at Gunshow - missing sight - questions Hi fellow Luger fans, Saw an artillery Luger at a gun show today and thought about buying it. But I had a couple of concerns. This is a 1917 dated DWM model, all part numbers visible matched except the rear toggle link. It was missing the sight that belongs on the barrel. I think this sight had been lost and a previous owner decided then to replace the rear toggle with a regular toggle with the V-notch for a sight. The dealer said this wasn't a real artillery piece and that it had been created from parts. But since all obvious parts match except the rear toggle, I think this is an actual artillery piece with a missing sight and the wrong rear toggle. Otherwise it was in good shape, bluing looked original and at 50-70%, grips looked good. Didn't see the magazine. So my questions are: Would it be reasonable for me to expect to find a correct barrel site somewhere I could re-attach? Is it reasonable to run across the correct rear toggle piece? Obviously it would not have the right numbers, but at least it would be the right part. And what would be a rough value of the piece in it's current configuration? Would the value go up if I find the sight and proper toggle part? Thanks much, -- Dan

01-23-2005, 08:21 AM	#3
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Dan, Was the rear sight band still there? Your chances of finding a complete rear sight,and toggle, period. Are slim at most. And if you did, they would be very expensive. The only rear sight I have seen for sale, was $200+. And that did'nt include the set screw. The toggle would cost you at least that much. So, I would , as George says, walk away. However, I don't have Georges affection for honest dealers. So the huggy - kissy thing, is out of the question. A hand shake...maybe. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

01-22-2005, 06:42 PM	#2
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,772 Thanked 2,527 Times in 786 Posts	The dealer selling the piece is an honest bloke and you should embrace him and give him a kiss. The pistol has greater parts value than it does weapon value. Walk away.

01-23-2005, 02:57 PM	#4
Revolvr User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 86 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for your inputs. Without any remains of the sight and wrong rear toggle, and spares being hard to find, I agree this becomes at best a shooter with an unusually long barrel. I hadn't gone to the gunshow with the intent of finding another Luger to buy, but it was singing to me. Anyway I passed on it. By the way, the asking price was $779. thanks again, -- Dan