Unusual proof

CubanoLibre · 09-03-2021, 10:01 AM

Newbie with question about a proof and a possible buy. I hope I'm posting on correct thread. This is a 1939/42 Luger with black grips with target circles. It has what appears to be a 'double' stamped proof on the L side of frame. What is that proof? I don't see any East German or Soviets proofs otherwise. The grips, I believe, are more commonly seen on VoPo East German (Soviet reworked) pistols. Nothing 'scrubbed' and no electro pencil marks. The R side of receiver markings do not match the markings in 'Standard Catalog of Luger,' Index #174 (pg. 210). Any help would be appreciated. ? Value??

Doubs · 09-03-2021, 12:14 PM

That is a WW2 Luger that was subsequently reworked by the East Germans for use by the Volkspolizei (People's Police) or more commonly known as the Vopo. The shield-in-sunburst is a stamp used by the EG inspector or worker who accepted or repaired it. The "Bullseye" plastic grips are also a characteristic of a Vopo Luger. The E/63 inspection and E/S stamps are normal. It appears to have been refinished.

CubanoLibre · 09-03-2021, 04:15 PM

What do you think it's worth if it's in VERY GOOD condition? It does has the CAI import stamp on barrel.

Edward Tinker · 09-03-2021, 07:25 PM

$600-$900 - most shooters are close to the 8-900 mark, but it depends on who is looking and where you are located.

mrerick · 09-04-2021, 10:28 AM

Welcome to the forum. Your Russian captured WW-II era Luger was manufactured by Mauser, and is a very high quality pistol.

These were hand fit, and make excellent shooter Lugers. Don't hesitate to take it to the range and enjoy it. Use standard velocity 9mm ammunition. Some are ammo sensitive, so try 124gn ammunition if 115gn doesn't cycle reliably. Don't use "NATO" power ammunition.

We publish an extensive FAQ document you'd probably enjoy. Just follow the FAQ link at the top of each forum page.

MAUSER88 · 09-08-2021, 02:20 PM

It's worth a grand at least. I see rusty junk sell today for a grand.

MikeP · 09-08-2021, 03:23 PM

Yep The under 1000 days are long gone.
Even mismatch refinish shooters are drying up.
Even with them, breakage of the typical small parts can be a problem.
Extractor and firing pin, mainly.
Finding replacements is the issue.
This appears to be pretty clean.
The only upgrade you might think of is a set of Wolff springs.
No HP ammo advised.
Have fun.

Edward Tinker · 09-08-2021, 03:50 PM

yes, but I hate to get people all excited - so usually give them an amount that is a bit under trending sales I have observed.

09-03-2021, 07:25 PM	#4
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	$600-$900 - most shooters are close to the 8-900 mark, but it depends on who is looking and where you are located. __________________ 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

09-04-2021, 10:28 AM	#5
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,370 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	Welcome to the forum. Your Russian captured WW-II era Luger was manufactured by Mauser, and is a very high quality pistol. These were hand fit, and make excellent shooter Lugers. Don't hesitate to take it to the range and enjoy it. Use standard velocity 9mm ammunition. Some are ammo sensitive, so try 124gn ammunition if 115gn doesn't cycle reliably. Don't use "NATO" power ammunition. We publish an extensive FAQ document you'd probably enjoy. Just follow the FAQ link at the top of each forum page. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

09-03-2021, 10:01 AM	#1
CubanoLibre New User Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 4 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Unusual proof Newbie with question about a proof and a possible buy. I hope I'm posting on correct thread. This is a 1939/42 Luger with black grips with target circles. It has what appears to be a 'double' stamped proof on the L side of frame. What is that proof? I don't see any East German or Soviets proofs otherwise. The grips, I believe, are more commonly seen on VoPo East German (Soviet reworked) pistols. Nothing 'scrubbed' and no electro pencil marks. The R side of receiver markings do not match the markings in 'Standard Catalog of Luger,' Index #174 (pg. 210). Any help would be appreciated. ? Value?? Attached Thumbnails Attached Images

09-03-2021, 12:14 PM	#2
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,670 Thanks: 769 Thanked 1,611 Times in 525 Posts	That is a WW2 Luger that was subsequently reworked by the East Germans for use by the Volkspolizei (People's Police) or more commonly known as the Vopo. The shield-in-sunburst is a stamp used by the EG inspector or worker who accepted or repaired it. The "Bullseye" plastic grips are also a characteristic of a Vopo Luger. The E/63 inspection and E/S stamps are normal. It appears to have been refinished.

09-03-2021, 04:15 PM	#3
CubanoLibre New User Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 4 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	What do you think it's worth if it's in VERY GOOD condition? It does has the CAI import stamp on barrel.

09-08-2021, 02:20 PM	#6
MAUSER88 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 255 Thanks: 3 Thanked 57 Times in 30 Posts	It's worth a grand at least. I see rusty junk sell today for a grand.

09-08-2021, 03:23 PM	#7
MikeP User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: ILL Posts: 686 Thanks: 36 Thanked 452 Times in 198 Posts	Yep The under 1000 days are long gone. Even mismatch refinish shooters are drying up. Even with them, breakage of the typical small parts can be a problem. Extractor and firing pin, mainly. Finding replacements is the issue. This appears to be pretty clean. The only upgrade you might think of is a set of Wolff springs. No HP ammo advised. Have fun.

09-08-2021, 03:50 PM	#8
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	yes, but I hate to get people all excited - so usually give them an amount that is a bit under trending sales I have observed.