New to the Forum

1970boss · 03-09-2012, 04:06 PM

Just wanted to start a new post and introduce myself. My name is Bob and I live in N.C. I have always loved the Lugers and there is a specific reason why. Ever since I was a little kid I remember my Father's Luger that He bought back from WW II,even though it was locked up all the time. Its bee 20+ years since His death and I now have the Pistol. I really would like to know more about it from the people that really know these Guns. In the coming days I can post photos of it and maybe we can determine if this gun is just an average pistol or if its special in any way. I have the holster and 2 clips and the gun appears to be matching numbers. I guess first off maybe someone can tell me the basics of what I am looking for as far as condition,markings etc.. Thanks in advance for any and all help. Bob

alanint · 03-09-2012, 04:34 PM

Welcome
Congratulations on your new Luger and thanks to your Dad for serving.
The best advice is to photograph every marking or number you see on the Luger, including all serial numbers. Also, the holster and spare magazines have serials/maker's marks, which are of interest as well.
This is the best way to tell you what you have. It is already priceless, as it was liberated and belonged to your Dad, but perhaps we can tell you what monetary and historical value it has.

1970boss · 03-09-2012, 05:00 PM

Thanks for the reply. I will take some time this weekend and get it out,photograph it and post some pictures. Its really is a beautiful gun. We had the pleasure of shooting it together one time back in the early 80's. It fired well but is not very accurate. Maybe I am just a terrible shot? I had it out a few month ago and noticed there is a service tool in the holster. Its also stamped 1939 which I guess is the assembly date? I guess one big question I have is am I hurting the weapon at all by firing it? I don't want to comprimise the condition in any way. Thanks,Bob

alanint · 03-09-2012, 05:22 PM

I respectfully submit that Lugers have a reputation for being extremely accurate, and that's all I'll say about that!

While you are not necessrily "hurting" the pistol by firing it, you are risking the damage or breakage of a numbered, matching part, which would literally cut your pistol's value in half.

If your pistol is an all-matching rig, (both magazines have the same number as the gun)? It would be almost criminal in certain collector's eyes to break a matching part on so rare an assemblage.
Please don't shoot it until we know more!!

1970boss · 03-09-2012, 08:24 PM

OK,I will get it out and look closer at the pistol,2 magazines and holster and report back with what I find. Thanks again for taking the time to read my post. Bob

Edward Tinker · 03-09-2012, 08:40 PM

welcome to the forum.

Yes, pictures and description is needed

ed

1970boss · 03-09-2012, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

welcome to the forum.

Yes, pictures and description is needed

ed

Ed,
Will do. Just an FYI,I just ordered Vol 1 and Vol 2 of your books. I can't wait to read them. Thanks again for the reply. I am going to get the Luger out tonight. Bob

padredan · 03-09-2012, 09:49 PM

Welcome to the forum

mrerick · 03-10-2012, 10:38 AM

Bob, I live quite close by and will be happy to help locally if needed.

Marc

Frank · 03-10-2012, 11:08 AM

Bob, WELCOME to the Forum. I'm sure you will enjoy it!!

1970boss · 03-11-2012, 08:55 AM

Thanks again for all your responses. I already enjoy reading all the posts on the Forum. Its nice to know that the Luger is so well appreciated among collectors. Look for some photos in the coming days. I had planned to do it this weekend but I have not had any spare time. I will get to it one night this week for sure Bob

TheRomanhistorian · 03-11-2012, 10:32 AM

Welcome to the forum Bob, this sounds like a marvellous heirloom and for sharing some of its history with us.

1970boss · 03-12-2012, 06:59 PM

Here are a few photos of the Luger. My camera is not the best. I think I may have to try and use a better camera before I take any more. Please let me know if you can make anything out here with these. Thanks,Bob

padredan · 03-12-2012, 07:57 PM

very nice

Ron Wood · 03-12-2012, 08:13 PM

Bob,
Pretty good photos, but to begin with we need a photo of the top of the gun to help determine who made it (manufacturer) and when. We can go from there for specific markings and further details. It appears to be a Mauser made example from WWII.

1970boss · 03-12-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

Bob,
Pretty good photos, but to begin with we need a photo of the top of the gun to help determine who made it (manufacturer) and when. We can go from there for specific markings and further details. It appears to be a Mauser made example from WWII.

Ron,
OK,Thanks for the reply. I will take a photo of the gun and post it tonight. Bob

1970boss · 03-12-2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

Bob,
Pretty good photos, but to begin with we need a photo of the top of the gun to help determine who made it (manufacturer) and when. We can go from there for specific markings and further details. It appears to be a Mauser made example from WWII.

Ron,
OK,Here is a photo of the top of the Luger. Thanks,Bob

mrerick · 03-12-2012, 09:38 PM

Bob, it's hard to judge finish when the photos are taken with a flash. They look much better when taken in natural indirect light.

You'll also get better results if you can use a tripod and trigger it with the self timer.

Looks like you have a nice crisp Mauser "42" code Luger from 1939 in original finish.

I also have a 1939 "42" code that may be similar in finish appearance. Do all the small part numbers match? The "42" code was a later variation that year, which started with "S/42" marked pistols. Jan Still's forum has a summary of the year's variations here.

The serial number of your pistol would be the digits and suffix letter found on the front of the frame above the trigger guard. I think I can make out "6243" on the receiver. Is the number "63" stamped inside the trigger plate?

If you remove the grips to check markings on their back sides, be very careful not to break the left grip near the safety lever. Just barely lift the grip off the frame before sliding it away. Also be careful with the screw slots.

If the finish bluing appears "thin" to you, I think that it was not unusual in pistols made in this period. My own 1939's finish looks almost translucent.

Next please post pictures of the magazines and the holster and any loading tool. Are these matching also?

If this is all matching and you're looking for valuation for insurance purposes, I would think the pistol alone somewhere between $1500 and $1700. If the magazines are numbered to the pistol, add $500-600. A correct period holster would be $250-$300. A period marked loading tool another $100.

Simpson's Ltd and FSG Firearms (among others) have websites that should show you similar rigs priced at retail.

While not particularly rare, your pistol looks to be in particularly nice condition. The higher percentage of original finish the more valuable.

Marc

1970boss · 03-13-2012, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

Bob, it's hard to judge finish when the photos are taken with a flash. They look much better when taken in natural indirect light.

You'll also get better results if you can use a tripod and trigger it with the self timer.

Looks like you have a nice crisp Mauser "42" code Luger from 1939 in original finish.

I also have a 1939 "42" code that may be similar in finish appearance. Do all the small part numbers match? The "42" code was a later variation that year, which started with "S/42" marked pistols. Jan Still's forum has a summary of the year's variations here.

The serial number of your pistol would be the digits and suffix letter found on the front of the frame above the trigger guard. I think I can make out "6243" on the receiver. Is the number "63" stamped inside the trigger plate?

If you remove the grips to check markings on their back sides, be very careful not to break the left grip near the safety lever. Just barely lift the grip off the frame before sliding it away. Also be careful with the screw slots.

If the finish bluing appears "thin" to you, I think that it was not unusual in pistols made in this period. My own 1939's finish looks almost translucent.

Next please post pictures of the magazines and the holster and any loading tool. Are these matching also?

If this is all matching and you're looking for valuation for insurance purposes, I would think the pistol alone somewhere between $1500 and $1700. If the magazines are numbered to the pistol, add $500-600. A correct period holster would be $250-$300. A period marked loading tool another $100.

Simpson's Ltd and FSG Firearms (among others) have websites that should show you similar rigs priced at retail.

While not particularly rare, your pistol looks to be in particularly nice condition. The higher percentage of original finish the more valuable.

Marc

Marc,
I will take some time to get into more specific details on the Luger and let you know what I find. I will also take some photos of the 2 clips and the holster I have for it. One thing I know about the holster is that is does not look at all like the ones I usually see for a Luger. It does however have the field tool inside. Should that tool be stamped as well to match the gun? Thanks,Bob

1970boss · 03-13-2012, 03:17 PM

Ok,got the Holster and clips out today. Here are a few pictures of them. Bob

03-09-2012, 04:06 PM	#1
1970boss User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 18 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New to the Forum Just wanted to start a new post and introduce myself. My name is Bob and I live in N.C. I have always loved the Lugers and there is a specific reason why. Ever since I was a little kid I remember my Father's Luger that He bought back from WW II,even though it was locked up all the time. Its bee 20+ years since His death and I now have the Pistol. I really would like to know more about it from the people that really know these Guns. In the coming days I can post photos of it and maybe we can determine if this gun is just an average pistol or if its special in any way. I have the holster and 2 clips and the gun appears to be matching numbers. I guess first off maybe someone can tell me the basics of what I am looking for as far as condition,markings etc.. Thanks in advance for any and all help. Bob

03-09-2012, 08:40 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	welcome to the forum. Yes, pictures and description is needed 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

03-09-2012, 09:49 PM	#8
padredan User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: louisiana Now, but from the Rebublic of Texas Posts: 937 Thanks: 429 Thanked 316 Times in 182 Posts	Welcome to the forum __________________ In this world nothing is free, except the grace of God

03-10-2012, 10:38 AM	#9
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	Bob, I live quite close by and will be happy to help locally if needed. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-11-2012, 10:32 AM	#12
TheRomanhistorian User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 301 Thanks: 170 Thanked 88 Times in 64 Posts	Welcome to the forum Bob, this sounds like a marvellous heirloom and for sharing some of its history with us. __________________ Michael Nos morituri te salutant - Supposed saying of the gladiators to the emperor ('We, who are about to die, salute you.') 'We are the lantern bearers, my friend; for us to keep something burning, to carry what light we can forward into the darkness and the wind' - From Rosemary Sutcliff's The Lantern Bearers

03-09-2012, 04:34 PM	#2
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	Welcome Congratulations on your new Luger and thanks to your Dad for serving. The best advice is to photograph every marking or number you see on the Luger, including all serial numbers. Also, the holster and spare magazines have serials/maker's marks, which are of interest as well. This is the best way to tell you what you have. It is already priceless, as it was liberated and belonged to your Dad, but perhaps we can tell you what monetary and historical value it has.

03-09-2012, 05:00 PM	#3
1970boss User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 18 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the reply. I will take some time this weekend and get it out,photograph it and post some pictures. Its really is a beautiful gun. We had the pleasure of shooting it together one time back in the early 80's. It fired well but is not very accurate. Maybe I am just a terrible shot? I had it out a few month ago and noticed there is a service tool in the holster. Its also stamped 1939 which I guess is the assembly date? I guess one big question I have is am I hurting the weapon at all by firing it? I don't want to comprimise the condition in any way. Thanks,Bob

03-09-2012, 05:22 PM	#4
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	I respectfully submit that Lugers have a reputation for being extremely accurate, and that's all I'll say about that! While you are not necessrily "hurting" the pistol by firing it, you are risking the damage or breakage of a numbered, matching part, which would literally cut your pistol's value in half. If your pistol is an all-matching rig, (both magazines have the same number as the gun)? It would be almost criminal in certain collector's eyes to break a matching part on so rare an assemblage. Please don't shoot it until we know more!!

03-09-2012, 08:24 PM	#5
1970boss User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 18 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	OK,I will get it out and look closer at the pistol,2 magazines and holster and report back with what I find. Thanks again for taking the time to read my post. Bob

03-10-2012, 11:08 AM	#10
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Bob, WELCOME to the Forum. I'm sure you will enjoy it!!

03-11-2012, 08:55 AM	#11
1970boss User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 18 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks again for all your responses. I already enjoy reading all the posts on the Forum. Its nice to know that the Luger is so well appreciated among collectors. Look for some photos in the coming days. I had planned to do it this weekend but I have not had any spare time. I will get to it one night this week for sure Bob

03-12-2012, 06:59 PM	#13
1970boss User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 18 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Here are a few photos of the Luger. My camera is not the best. I think I may have to try and use a better camera before I take any more. Please let me know if you can make anything out here with these. Thanks,Bob Last edited by 1970boss; 03-12-2012 at 08:22 PM.

03-12-2012, 07:57 PM	#14
padredan User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: louisiana Now, but from the Rebublic of Texas Posts: 937 Thanks: 429 Thanked 316 Times in 182 Posts	very nice __________________ In this world nothing is free, except the grace of God

03-12-2012, 08:13 PM	#15
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,986 Thanks: 1,065 Thanked 5,088 Times in 1,674 Posts	Bob, Pretty good photos, but to begin with we need a photo of the top of the gun to help determine who made it (manufacturer) and when. We can go from there for specific markings and further details. It appears to be a Mauser made example from WWII. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

03-12-2012, 09:38 PM	#18
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	Bob, it's hard to judge finish when the photos are taken with a flash. They look much better when taken in natural indirect light. You'll also get better results if you can use a tripod and trigger it with the self timer. Looks like you have a nice crisp Mauser "42" code Luger from 1939 in original finish. I also have a 1939 "42" code that may be similar in finish appearance. Do all the small part numbers match? The "42" code was a later variation that year, which started with "S/42" marked pistols. Jan Still's forum has a summary of the year's variations here. The serial number of your pistol would be the digits and suffix letter found on the front of the frame above the trigger guard. I think I can make out "6243" on the receiver. Is the number "63" stamped inside the trigger plate? If you remove the grips to check markings on their back sides, be very careful not to break the left grip near the safety lever. Just barely lift the grip off the frame before sliding it away. Also be careful with the screw slots. If the finish bluing appears "thin" to you, I think that it was not unusual in pistols made in this period. My own 1939's finish looks almost translucent. Next please post pictures of the magazines and the holster and any loading tool. Are these matching also? If this is all matching and you're looking for valuation for insurance purposes, I would think the pistol alone somewhere between $1500 and $1700. If the magazines are numbered to the pistol, add $500-600. A correct period holster would be $250-$300. A period marked loading tool another $100. Simpson's Ltd and FSG Firearms (among others) have websites that should show you similar rigs priced at retail. While not particularly rare, your pistol looks to be in particularly nice condition. The higher percentage of original finish the more valuable. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-13-2012, 03:17 PM	#20
1970boss User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 18 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok,got the Holster and clips out today. Here are a few pictures of them. Bob