Few questions for you old-timers.

ichabod · 12-01-2002, 02:11 PM

1 : When did you start collecting P.08s ?
2 : What did a shooter grade P.08 go for at that time ?
3 : What was the best deal you can remember passing on years ago ?

Ron Wood · 12-01-2002, 05:08 PM

1. 1957 - Bought my first Luger, an absolutely mint byf with a perfect holster and two matching magazines - $35 and it took me most of the summer to pay it off. That was also the summer I bought my first car, a 1930 Model A Ford for $150 (I still have it).

2. Pawn shops had Lugers of all types from $15 to $40.

3. Had a chance in 1969 to buy a really nice 1902 Carbine with stock in 9mm! They were almost unknown in that caliber at that time. The guy wanted $2000 which was way out of my league. An Army Captain with two young children didn't have a lot of disposable income.

drbuster · 12-01-2002, 06:01 PM

My experience is similar to Ron's. Bought my first luger in 1958 through the "Ye Olde Hunter" ad in Guns magazine for $35. It turned out to be a 1918 DWM with replaced barrel and mis-matched sideplate. I also sent for the advertised artillery lugers for $45!!! But it never came and they refunded my money. Lugers were common in gunshops in the northeast for $35-50. I, too, couldn't dream of affording a 30 cal luger carbine for $2500. Had to pass on it (for ever)!

Imperial Arms · 12-01-2002, 07:15 PM

1) 1980 - A 1930 Stoeger Luger serial #50Xv with a matching magazine from an English auction house. It was not cheap at $2,500 during the 'good old days', but I applied it a few years later as a partial trade to buy one of my 'GL' Lugers. I came out well with the deal;

2) Unknown, but I would guess $200-$300;

3) I had a chance in 1983 to buy a near mint 1915 Artillery Luger with a matching magazine and stock/holster from Duke Frenzel for $3,000 and I 'choked' at the price. To this day, I regret it so much because I have not yet found another LP08 in the same condition - Damn! I learned an important lesson from this experience - when you find a special Luger with condition, do not hesitate at the price if it is within reach!

John -Melb · 12-02-2002, 07:31 AM

I bought my LP08 in 1984, in Queensland Aust.
Its probably 70% blue, 10% straw, All numbers on the gun matching, came with an apparently original altered WW2 PO8 Holster, mismatched butt and 4 magazines(none numbered to the gun).
Here's the really interesting bit, it also bears D^D (Australian Department of Defence) property marks and at some time the front sight was replaced with the front sight from a Number 1 Mk 3 SMLE (presumably during it's life with the Australian Army)
Paid $350 Australian (that's about 175US on todays prices).
It's ugly as sin, but I like it! Shoots real good too!

Edward Tinker · 12-02-2002, 11:48 AM

1 : When did you start collecting P.08s ?
2 : What did a shooter grade P.08 go for at that time ?
3 : What was the best deal you can remember passing on years ago ?

Well, not as much as an "old-timer" as some of these great guys, [img]wink.gif[/img]

1. I have always liked them, and while stationed in Hawaii, I came across a reblued Artillery for $325 (a bit more, but this was what I asked if they'd take and what I paid). I put my Colt Python up for $325 and sold it a few weeks later, then luckily the arty was still there and I bought it.

2. I had no real idea, although as kid I saw the older gun magazines with the $35 to $65 Lugers and wanted one, but in the 60's as a kid... I had no idea how much shooter prices went for and I paid another $300 for a mismatched 1940 / 42 (brother has now) at a Dallas gun show in 1988. Did I get taken?

3. I have no idea, anything over $1,000 seemed like a lot of money and I bet I missed some good deals as I walked past them as a kid, teenager and then young army guy.

Nice topic, fun to read!

Doubs · 12-02-2002, 12:55 PM

My father and I went together and bought a mis-match 1939 Mauser Luger in 1956 or 1957. The muzzle showed a "battlefield" repair... counterbored about .150 - .200" and silver solder applied to the muzzle damage. Pop had an 8" replacement barrel installed and I inherited it a few years ago. IIRC, we paid $37.50 for it. The 8" barrel is extremely accurate.

Best deal I passed on recently was about seven or eight years ago when I was offered a pristine 99% Commercial DWM Alphabet Luger for $400. I've often regretted not buying it. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Hugh · 12-02-2002, 03:57 PM

Bought my first one in the late '50s while in college; a reblued 30 cal with a bore that couldn't remember when it had rifling for $20. When I found out it couldn't shoot straight, I took it back and traded it for one of those Italian made 22 semiauto pocket guns. That thing couldn't fire a whole mag without jamming. Then in the 70's I got a 95% all matching 1916 DWM with holster for $45 at a gunshow in Bismark ND.
Started seriously collecting about 5 yrs ago when I got really interested in them for some unknown obscure reason.
<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Pete Ebbink · 12-02-2002, 05:13 PM

Just a quiz...who is this stranger ?

Regards,

Pete... <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

schwob · 12-02-2002, 08:58 PM

Been in and out of Lugers since the mid 1960s, when I was appointed to the P.D. Came across a mint 1917 DWM 'Arty', which I still have, only now it has all the 'goodies'. They have come and gone. Not till a couple of years ago, since I left N.Y. for ME and became involved with cyber space and the information contained therein did I fully understanmd how foolish I had been over the preceeding years. We get too old fast, and too late schmartdt. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

schwob · 12-02-2002, 08:59 PM

P.S., I forgot to add, that "arty' cost me about $40 and a rat .45, not even a Colt. <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

John Sabato · 12-03-2002, 01:14 PM

Pete,

If that is a current photo of Walker Smith, I would like to add it to the Rogues Gallery...

Are you listening Doubs?

[img]biggrin.gif[/img]

Navy · 12-16-2002, 03:14 PM

First Luger was Bulgarian Contract rig, with 2 matched mags and holster for $60 back in the early '60's from Mannings Bait and Tackle, in GA.

Shooter grade lugers were anywhere from $25-50, with chromed-up pimp guns fetching a slight premium.

The one that got away was a cased, mint 1902 Carbine that I let go two years ago for cash and stock. The thing was absolutely magnificent and appeared unfired. Better than any I have ever seen in the books or in person...and so it goes.

Tom A.

12-01-2002, 02:11 PM	#1
ichabod User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Few questions for you old-timers. 1 : When did you start collecting P.08s ? 2 : What did a shooter grade P.08 go for at that time ? 3 : What was the best deal you can remember passing on years ago ? __________________ "No snowflake ever feels responsible for the avalanche." Haywood Yasumi

12-01-2002, 05:08 PM	#2
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: 6,988 Thanks: 1,067 Thanked 5,096 Times in 1,676 Posts	1. 1957 - Bought my first Luger, an absolutely mint byf with a perfect holster and two matching magazines - $35 and it took me most of the summer to pay it off. That was also the summer I bought my first car, a 1930 Model A Ford for $150 (I still have it). 2. Pawn shops had Lugers of all types from $15 to $40. 3. Had a chance in 1969 to buy a really nice 1902 Carbine with stock in 9mm! They were almost unknown in that caliber at that time. The guy wanted $2000 which was way out of my league. An Army Captain with two young children didn't have a lot of disposable income. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

12-02-2002, 11:48 AM	#6
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	1 : When did you start collecting P.08s ? 2 : What did a shooter grade P.08 go for at that time ? 3 : What was the best deal you can remember passing on years ago ? Well, not as much as an "old-timer" as some of these great guys, [img]wink.gif[/img] 1. I have always liked them, and while stationed in Hawaii, I came across a reblued Artillery for $325 (a bit more, but this was what I asked if they'd take and what I paid). I put my Colt Python up for $325 and sold it a few weeks later, then luckily the arty was still there and I bought it. 2. I had no real idea, although as kid I saw the older gun magazines with the $35 to $65 Lugers and wanted one, but in the 60's as a kid... I had no idea how much shooter prices went for and I paid another $300 for a mismatched 1940 / 42 (brother has now) at a Dallas gun show in 1988. Did I get taken? 3. I have no idea, anything over $1,000 seemed like a lot of money and I bet I missed some good deals as I walked past them as a kid, teenager and then young army guy. Nice topic, fun to read! __________________ 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

12-02-2002, 03:57 PM	#8
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Bought my first one in the late '50s while in college; a reblued 30 cal with a bore that couldn't remember when it had rifling for $20. When I found out it couldn't shoot straight, I took it back and traded it for one of those Italian made 22 semiauto pocket guns. That thing couldn't fire a whole mag without jamming. Then in the 70's I got a 95% all matching 1916 DWM with holster for $45 at a gunshow in Bismark ND. Started seriously collecting about 5 yrs ago when I got really interested in them for some unknown obscure reason. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

12-03-2002, 01:14 PM	#12
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	Pete, If that is a current photo of Walker Smith, I would like to add it to the Rogues Gallery... Are you listening Doubs? [img]biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ 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..."*

12-01-2002, 06:01 PM	#3
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	My experience is similar to Ron's. Bought my first luger in 1958 through the "Ye Olde Hunter" ad in Guns magazine for $35. It turned out to be a 1918 DWM with replaced barrel and mis-matched sideplate. I also sent for the advertised artillery lugers for $45!!! But it never came and they refunded my money. Lugers were common in gunshops in the northeast for $35-50. I, too, couldn't dream of affording a 30 cal luger carbine for $2500. Had to pass on it (for ever)!

12-01-2002, 07:15 PM	#4
Imperial Arms Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Malta, EU Posts: 579 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	1) 1980 - A 1930 Stoeger Luger serial #50Xv with a matching magazine from an English auction house. It was not cheap at $2,500 during the 'good old days', but I applied it a few years later as a partial trade to buy one of my 'GL' Lugers. I came out well with the deal; 2) Unknown, but I would guess $200-$300; 3) I had a chance in 1983 to buy a near mint 1915 Artillery Luger with a matching magazine and stock/holster from Duke Frenzel for $3,000 and I 'choked' at the price. To this day, I regret it so much because I have not yet found another LP08 in the same condition - Damn! I learned an important lesson from this experience - when you find a special Luger with condition, do not hesitate at the price if it is within reach!

12-02-2002, 07:31 AM	#5
John -Melb User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Peoples Republic of Australia! Posts: 145 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I bought my LP08 in 1984, in Queensland Aust. Its probably 70% blue, 10% straw, All numbers on the gun matching, came with an apparently original altered WW2 PO8 Holster, mismatched butt and 4 magazines(none numbered to the gun). Here's the really interesting bit, it also bears D^D (Australian Department of Defence) property marks and at some time the front sight was replaced with the front sight from a Number 1 Mk 3 SMLE (presumably during it's life with the Australian Army) Paid $350 Australian (that's about 175US on todays prices). It's ugly as sin, but I like it! Shoots real good too!

12-02-2002, 12:55 PM	#7
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,670 Thanks: 770 Thanked 1,614 Times in 525 Posts	My father and I went together and bought a mis-match 1939 Mauser Luger in 1956 or 1957. The muzzle showed a "battlefield" repair... counterbored about .150 - .200" and silver solder applied to the muzzle damage. Pop had an 8" replacement barrel installed and I inherited it a few years ago. IIRC, we paid $37.50 for it. The 8" barrel is extremely accurate. Best deal I passed on recently was about seven or eight years ago when I was offered a pristine 99% Commercial DWM Alphabet Luger for $400. I've often regretted not buying it. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

12-02-2002, 05:13 PM	#9
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Just a quiz...who is this stranger ? Regards, Pete... <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

12-02-2002, 08:58 PM	#10
schwob RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Coast of Maine Posts: 273 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Been in and out of Lugers since the mid 1960s, when I was appointed to the P.D. Came across a mint 1917 DWM 'Arty', which I still have, only now it has all the 'goodies'. They have come and gone. Not till a couple of years ago, since I left N.Y. for ME and became involved with cyber space and the information contained therein did I fully understanmd how foolish I had been over the preceeding years. We get too old fast, and too late schmartdt. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

12-02-2002, 08:59 PM	#11
schwob RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Coast of Maine Posts: 273 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	P.S., I forgot to add, that "arty' cost me about $40 and a rat .45, not even a Colt. <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

12-16-2002, 03:14 PM	#13
Navy RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dc 'burbs in Virginia Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 10 Posts	First Luger was Bulgarian Contract rig, with 2 matched mags and holster for $60 back in the early '60's from Mannings Bait and Tackle, in GA. Shooter grade lugers were anywhere from $25-50, with chromed-up pimp guns fetching a slight premium. The one that got away was a cased, mint 1902 Carbine that I let go two years ago for cash and stock. The thing was absolutely magnificent and appeared unfired. Better than any I have ever seen in the books or in person...and so it goes. Tom A.