First Luger Hunt

cwchilders · 03-21-2014, 05:39 PM

hi all,
I have been lurking both forums for a while, reading Jan, Datig, Walter, Kenyon and Davis, and am feeling the love for a 1908 Commercial as my first Luger. Dwight's Commercial database is a wonderful thing, and the search feature here keeps me researching far into the night...

Well, time to ask a few questions before I buy one of these Pistoles. As I need to post to get into PM, I thought I would ask: price range for a 'minty' 1908 commercial? I see Simpson at $2655 for a 97/92% pistol with some issues (scratched-out name on grip, muzzle crown ding, couple deep scratches in frame etc.) and Legacy has a SOLD listing at $3500, and Pre98 has MINT CRISP! asking $2,950 (but the take-down lever appears to be 'sanded' clean?). Anyone track actual sale prices on these? Once I get PM privileges, I guess a WTB post should narrow it down...

I'm in Juneau, Alaska so gun show Luger hunting is out of the question.

thanks
--

Edward Tinker · 03-21-2014, 06:01 PM

welcome to the forum

Not sure why PM privileges would even matter? You just have in your profile email
or put an email in your WTB board...

Best thing to do is not rush in, but find exactly what you'd like if you are looking for just a piece or two

Ed

cirelaw · 03-21-2014, 06:21 PM

As they were sold commercially their owners took pride and they survived well. They were sold also with a beautiful holster with tools pictured below. I purchased this years ago as is from one of our fellow members~ Keeping in our family!

cwchilders · 03-21-2014, 06:22 PM

Thanks Ed. I think that is perfect advice, as I am looking for one or two pieces. I was assuming folks reply WTB via PM, as I see a lot of that in the WTS--and, not rushing in but I wanna be able to jump if the right piece shows up in WTS.

I haven't fired a Luger since I was a kid with my uncle's bring-back.

Bill
--

cwchilders · 03-21-2014, 06:27 PM

Eric,
My thoughts exactly: "their owners took pride and they survived well."
"with a beautiful holster with tools" -- even better!
Thanks for the pics--that'll punch the ticket.

Bill
--

cirelaw · 03-21-2014, 07:02 PM

The 1908 and 1902 Fat Barrel were both commercial and are real beauties~ A time before war~

cwchilders · 03-21-2014, 07:19 PM

Eric,
>purchased this years ago as is from one of our fellow members
I definitely think that adds cachet!

mrerick · 03-21-2014, 07:35 PM

Although it may seem like a lot of trouble to go to before buying something, it's best to take your time, acquire the reference books, study, spend some time on the forum and develop enough background to make a good choice.

This is "Luger University". Sometimes, people just get lucky without all of this. Sometimes...

You have several of the good books. Since you're focused on the very early Commercial Lugers, consider the three volume Sturgess "The Borschardt and Luger Automatic Pistol". It's rather costly, but remarkably complete and well done. There were two versions published. Get the second one being marketed by Simpson's.

If it saves you it's cost in avoiding a mistake, or overpaying for something, it is well worth the investment in money and time.

Marc

cirelaw · 03-21-2014, 07:45 PM

Buying from a friend or member gives me peace of mind! You are doing right as this is the trueist advice anywhere! Sometimes confusings!! If so post your question or concern! No matter what luger you will purchase you will hold a special place and a historical privalege like its owner before! Ownership is nothing more than a right to possess with that come a right of ownership like its owners before. I own 15 thus far and many more I hope! The greatest part is your investigation of its' owner, unit or model! Have fun and ask questions. Sometimes the questions are far more important than the answers!! ~~I just noticed the post above! Do yourself a favor and read it twice~~Eric

cwchilders · 03-21-2014, 07:59 PM

AGREED! Thanks Marc. The plus is, "I love the smell of a good reference book in the morning."

>If it saves you it's cost in avoiding a mistake, or overpaying for something, it is well worth the investment in money and time.

MFC · 03-23-2014, 01:47 AM

PM sent.

Sergio Natali · 03-23-2014, 04:56 AM

Welcome to this forum of Luger aficionados, I just agreee completely with Ed, take your time, acquire enough reference books and browse on this forum that is always instructive.
More to that, my advice would be that before you get the Luger of your dreams, perhaps it would be better if you get a cheap shooter to disassemble/reassemble a few times just to get more confident with Luger pistols.

Sergio

cwchilders · 03-23-2014, 10:46 PM

Thanks Sergio, I will keep an eye out for a sub $1000 shooter, also!

Bill
--

03-21-2014, 05:39 PM	#1
cwchilders User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Alaska Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	First Luger Hunt hi all, I have been lurking both forums for a while, reading Jan, Datig, Walter, Kenyon and Davis, and am feeling the love for a 1908 Commercial as my first Luger. Dwight's Commercial database is a wonderful thing, and the search feature here keeps me researching far into the night... Well, time to ask a few questions before I buy one of these Pistoles. As I need to post to get into PM, I thought I would ask: price range for a 'minty' 1908 commercial? I see Simpson at $2655 for a 97/92% pistol with some issues (scratched-out name on grip, muzzle crown ding, couple deep scratches in frame etc.) and Legacy has a SOLD listing at $3500, and Pre98 has MINT CRISP! asking $2,950 (but the take-down lever appears to be 'sanded' clean?). Anyone track actual sale prices on these? Once I get PM privileges, I guess a WTB post should narrow it down... I'm in Juneau, Alaska so gun show Luger hunting is out of the question. thanks --

03-21-2014, 06:01 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,930 Thanks: 2,030 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	welcome to the forum Not sure why PM privileges would even matter? You just have in your profile email or put an email in your WTB board... Best thing to do is not rush in, but find exactly what you'd like if you are looking for just a piece or two 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

03-21-2014, 06:21 PM	#3
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	A 1908 Commercial #59106 As they were sold commercially their owners took pride and they survived well. They were sold also with a beautiful holster with tools pictured below. I purchased this years ago as is from one of our fellow members~ Keeping in our family! Attached Thumbnails

03-21-2014, 07:02 PM	#6
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	The 1908 and 1902 Fat Barrel were both commercial and are real beauties~ A time before war~ Attached Thumbnails

03-21-2014, 07:35 PM	#8
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Although it may seem like a lot of trouble to go to before buying something, it's best to take your time, acquire the reference books, study, spend some time on the forum and develop enough background to make a good choice. This is "Luger University". Sometimes, people just get lucky without all of this. Sometimes... You have several of the good books. Since you're focused on the very early Commercial Lugers, consider the three volume Sturgess "The Borschardt and Luger Automatic Pistol". It's rather costly, but remarkably complete and well done. There were two versions published. Get the second one being marketed by Simpson's. If it saves you it's cost in avoiding a mistake, or overpaying for something, it is well worth the investment in money and time. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-21-2014, 06:22 PM	#4
cwchilders User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Alaska Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks Ed. I think that is perfect advice, as I am looking for one or two pieces. I was assuming folks reply WTB via PM, as I see a lot of that in the WTS--and, not rushing in but I wanna be able to jump if the right piece shows up in WTS. I haven't fired a Luger since I was a kid with my uncle's bring-back. Bill --

03-21-2014, 06:27 PM	#5
cwchilders User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Alaska Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Eric, My thoughts exactly: "their owners took pride and they survived well." "with a beautiful holster with tools" -- even better! Thanks for the pics--that'll punch the ticket. Bill --

03-21-2014, 07:19 PM	#7
cwchilders User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Alaska Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Eric, >purchased this years ago as is from one of our fellow members I definitely think that adds cachet!

03-21-2014, 07:45 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	Buying from a friend or member gives me peace of mind! You are doing right as this is the trueist advice anywhere! Sometimes confusings!! If so post your question or concern! No matter what luger you will purchase you will hold a special place and a historical privalege like its owner before! Ownership is nothing more than a right to possess with that come a right of ownership like its owners before. I own 15 thus far and many more I hope! The greatest part is your investigation of its' owner, unit or model! Have fun and ask questions. Sometimes the questions are far more important than the answers!! ~~I just noticed the post above! Do yourself a favor and read it twice~~Eric

03-21-2014, 07:59 PM	#10
cwchilders User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Alaska Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	AGREED! Thanks Marc. The plus is, "I love the smell of a good reference book in the morning." >If it saves you it's cost in avoiding a mistake, or overpaying for something, it is well worth the investment in money and time.

03-23-2014, 01:47 AM	#11
MFC User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 183 Thanked 281 Times in 162 Posts	PM sent. __________________ Mike C.

03-23-2014, 04:56 AM	#12
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Welcome to this forum of Luger aficionados, I just agreee completely with Ed, take your time, acquire enough reference books and browse on this forum that is always instructive. More to that, my advice would be that before you get the Luger of your dreams, perhaps it would be better if you get a cheap shooter to disassemble/reassemble a few times just to get more confident with Luger pistols. Sergio __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

03-23-2014, 10:46 PM	#13
cwchilders User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Alaska Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks Sergio, I will keep an eye out for a sub $1000 shooter, also! Bill --