Found a 1915 DWM artillery

Edward Tung · 11-11-2003, 05:36 AM

The gun is in pretty good condition and has what I believe to be a matching mag. The bottom is kinda worn down so the serial numbers are barely visible but with a magnifier, I can just make out the numbers. The mag body is a nickle color and not blued. The gun itself looks to be about 96-98% and the straw is about 90%. I don't know much about artillery lugers so I figured I should ask you guys what a good price on this piece assuming it is original and my judgement of condition is correct? Thanks

Edward Tinker · 11-11-2003, 09:00 AM

Edward, I always get a bit nervous when I see a well used magazine and a 96% gun. If it is that nice a shape, why wouldn't the magazine still be with it?

That isn't to say that magazines don't get seperated from the gun, as that obviously happens. I just find it amazing that guns used since WW1 are in such nice shape?

Ed

John Sabato · 11-11-2003, 09:51 AM

Edward,

Can you post photographs of the gun? It would sure help to narrow the margin of error for a value.

Big Norm · 11-11-2003, 05:44 PM

Tung,
a 1915 artillery is a tough date to find for collectors. To find one with matching mag or two is tougher. To find one with a matching mag and stock is REAL tough. Since these additions do affect the price, it would be hard to give a price estimate. The serial number on your mag must not only match the serial number on the frame but the small cap must also be on the magazine and match. That small cap, if there is one, is part of the official serial number and must be there for it to be a matching mag.
Big Norm

(Explanation Note by admin-JS I am sure Norm meant "lowercase character" by the term "small cap" but a new guy may not know that... I used to live in Michigan for a short time and got to know the dialect )

George Anderson · 11-12-2003, 09:18 PM

Edward, I believe the 1915 DWM LP08 is second only to the 1914 DWM LP08 in scarcity. Given that, a 75% 1915 piece should be worth $1500 to $2000 but that may not be the case. Certainly the lucky buyer can find one cheaper.

I have found that collectors vary...many don't know what they are buying and pay premiums for boosted pieces (I was one of these in an earlier life), others wait/hunt a lifetime for the right piece. Others buy what is available with the hope of up-grading in the future as better examples are found.

I have seen many fine but boring 1917's go for more than $2000 over the last two years. All things being equal...stock, mags, holster; a 70% 1915 is worth more than a 95% 1917.

Edward Tung · 11-13-2003, 05:40 AM

I'm going to try to get some pictures. Based upon my assumptions that things are correct and as I noted, what would be a fair value for this piece?

11-11-2003, 05:36 AM	#1
Edward Tung User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Jose Posts: 33 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Found a 1915 DWM artillery The gun is in pretty good condition and has what I believe to be a matching mag. The bottom is kinda worn down so the serial numbers are barely visible but with a magnifier, I can just make out the numbers. The mag body is a nickle color and not blued. The gun itself looks to be about 96-98% and the straw is about 90%. I don't know much about artillery lugers so I figured I should ask you guys what a good price on this piece assuming it is original and my judgement of condition is correct? Thanks

11-11-2003, 09:00 AM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,912 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,502 Times in 2,077 Posts	Edward, I always get a bit nervous when I see a well used magazine and a 96% gun. If it is that nice a shape, why wouldn't the magazine still be with it? That isn't to say that magazines don't get seperated from the gun, as that obviously happens. I just find it amazing that guns used since WW1 are in such nice shape? 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

11-11-2003, 09:51 AM	#3
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Edward, Can you post photographs of the gun? It would sure help to narrow the margin of error for a value. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

11-11-2003, 05:44 PM	#4
Big Norm RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 1,864 Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Tung, a 1915 artillery is a tough date to find for collectors. To find one with matching mag or two is tougher. To find one with a matching mag and stock is REAL tough. Since these additions do affect the price, it would be hard to give a price estimate. The serial number on your mag must not only match the serial number on the frame but the small cap must also be on the magazine and match. That small cap, if there is one, is part of the official serial number and must be there for it to be a matching mag. Big Norm (Explanation Note by admin-JS I am sure Norm meant "lowercase character" by the term "small cap" but a new guy may not know that... I used to live in Michigan for a short time and got to know the dialect )

11-12-2003, 09:18 PM	#5
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	Edward, I believe the 1915 DWM LP08 is second only to the 1914 DWM LP08 in scarcity. Given that, a 75% 1915 piece should be worth $1500 to $2000 but that may not be the case. Certainly the lucky buyer can find one cheaper. I have found that collectors vary...many don't know what they are buying and pay premiums for boosted pieces (I was one of these in an earlier life), others wait/hunt a lifetime for the right piece. Others buy what is available with the hope of up-grading in the future as better examples are found. I have seen many fine but boring 1917's go for more than $2000 over the last two years. All things being equal...stock, mags, holster; a 70% 1915 is worth more than a 95% 1917.

11-13-2003, 05:40 AM	#6
Edward Tung User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Jose Posts: 33 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm going to try to get some pictures. Based upon my assumptions that things are correct and as I noted, what would be a fair value for this piece?