Pricing opinion

Military Engineer · 06-27-2023, 04:12 PM

Good day all!

Hope you are well. I've come across a 1942 BYF Mauser Luger with the E/135 markings, "42" chamber stamp and black plastic grips. Amatuerish research, indicates this is one that would fall into the "Black Widow" category, but I also am aware that the term "Black Widow" was a bit of a marketing ploy by Mr. Shattuck early on.

It has been refinished, many of the markings are better than 50% gone and the magazine is not correct for the gun. Condition appears good. No rig for it, either. He's looking for the little reloading tool he got with it, so we'll see.

I'm planning a test fire, but wanted to get a sense of the price. He's asking $1850.

How oes this pricing stack up with averages?

Doubs · 06-27-2023, 05:13 PM

Refinished with partially obliterated markings? That makes it a shooter at best and way overpriced IMO.

Military Engineer · 06-27-2023, 05:22 PM

The main markings are the proof marks. i can make out that they are E/135, but can only see part of the eagle, and it took a few minutes to decide what I was looking at was not E/655.

But most of the other markings are fine, just no markings under the barrel.

gunbugs · 06-27-2023, 07:20 PM

If it has been reblued, it's "shooter" grade, and not really a collectible. Less than 1500 would seem acceptable. Absolutely no more than that for a reblue.

ithacaartist · 06-27-2023, 08:01 PM

If Lugers don't crop up in your area, it's a good idea to post a WTB ad in the section for it, and watch the WTS section for something offered by a forum member--whether you're after a shooter or collectible. This community here offers many fair/square deals...because we are the BEST, of course!

Online auctions and classified sites can be another possible source if the terms of the seller are acceptable, and your experiential level is high enough to know what you're looking at to begin with.

Mac Cat · 06-27-2023, 08:50 PM

From what you described, it sounds like the unmarked barrel is a replacement.
Military barrels would be clearly marked.
I'm thinking $1,200, mostly because of the barrel is questionable.
Make sure it's a 9mm barrel and look for the witness marks under the barrel.

pictures would be appreciated.

Military Engineer · 06-28-2023, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

If Lugers don't crop up in your area, it's a good idea to post a WTB ad in the section for it, and watch the WTS section for something offered by a forum member--whether you're after a shooter or collectible. This community here offers many fair/square deals...because we are the BEST, of course!

Online auctions and classified sites can be another possible source if the terms of the seller are acceptable, and your experiential level is high enough to know what you're looking at to begin with.

I actually have one in another forum looking for one. It was how I found the other one I have. Though I will post one. I just don't want to have to deal with FFL-FFL transfers because here in Kommiefornia, that's an expensive thing. And yes....this forum is thge best place for Lugers. I have learned a lot from you guys!

Military Engineer · 06-28-2023, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac Cat

From what you described, it sounds like the unmarked barrel is a replacement.
Military barrels would be clearly marked.
I'm thinking $1,200, mostly because of the barrel is questionable.
Make sure it's a 9mm barrel and look for the witness marks under the barrel.

pictures would be appreciated.

I'm going to try the pic thing. I hope this works out. Please let me know if it doesn't.

zinfull · 06-28-2023, 01:25 PM

What area of California do you reside? There are a few collectors still around Ca and would help you with finding a decent Luger.

Military Engineer · 06-28-2023, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zinfull

What area of California do you reside? There are a few collectors still around Ca and would help you with finding a decent Luger.

I am in the San Diego area. LA might be a bit far, but for the right one, I'd be willing to travel a bit as long as I can get there by car.

Any opinions on the one pictured?

Edward Tinker · 06-28-2023, 03:11 PM

It is definitely reblued, worth about $500-$700 less than described. I realize that California can be more expensive, but that is too much.

Mac Cat · 06-28-2023, 04:56 PM

The acceptance stamps were buffed away, so that gun probably had a lot of corrosion and pitting before it was reblued. Pass on it. Lots of red flags.

MAUSER88 · 07-01-2023, 09:53 AM

It would probably make a good shooter. I wouldn't pay more then 1k for it.

Military Engineer · 01-27-2024, 03:16 AM

bump

G41M · 01-27-2024, 10:43 AM

Pass on it, save your gold.

wlyon · 01-27-2024, 11:48 AM

I agree Pass on it. Bill

06-27-2023, 04:12 PM	#1
Military Engineer User Join Date: Mar 2019 Posts: 41 Thanks: 9 Thanked 37 Times in 12 Posts	Pricing opinion Good day all! Hope you are well. I've come across a 1942 BYF Mauser Luger with the E/135 markings, "42" chamber stamp and black plastic grips. Amatuerish research, indicates this is one that would fall into the "Black Widow" category, but I also am aware that the term "Black Widow" was a bit of a marketing ploy by Mr. Shattuck early on. It has been refinished, many of the markings are better than 50% gone and the magazine is not correct for the gun. Condition appears good. No rig for it, either. He's looking for the little reloading tool he got with it, so we'll see. I'm planning a test fire, but wanted to get a sense of the price. He's asking $1850. How oes this pricing stack up with averages?

06-27-2023, 05:22 PM	#3
Military Engineer User Join Date: Mar 2019 Posts: 41 Thanks: 9 Thanked 37 Times in 12 Posts	Partial markings The main markings are the proof marks. i can make out that they are E/135, but can only see part of the eagle, and it took a few minutes to decide what I was looking at was not E/655. But most of the other markings are fine, just no markings under the barrel.

06-27-2023, 08:01 PM	#5
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,343 Thanks: 7,264 Thanked 2,576 Times in 1,364 Posts	If Lugers don't crop up in your area, it's a good idea to post a WTB ad in the section for it, and watch the WTS section for something offered by a forum member--whether you're after a shooter or collectible. This community here offers many fair/square deals...because we are the BEST, of course! Online auctions and classified sites can be another possible source if the terms of the seller are acceptable, and your experiential level is high enough to know what you're looking at to begin with. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

06-28-2023, 03:11 PM	#11
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,931 Thanks: 2,031 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	It is definitely reblued, worth about $500-$700 less than described. I realize that California can be more expensive, but that is too much. __________________ 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

01-27-2024, 11:48 AM	#16
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,635 Thanks: 3,174 Thanked 2,555 Times in 954 Posts	I agree Pass on it. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

06-27-2023, 05:13 PM	#2
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,696 Thanks: 792 Thanked 1,679 Times in 552 Posts	Refinished with partially obliterated markings? That makes it a shooter at best and way overpriced IMO.

06-27-2023, 07:20 PM	#4
gunbugs Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska. Home of the best moose. Posts: 658 Thanks: 365 Thanked 1,175 Times in 393 Posts	If it has been reblued, it's "shooter" grade, and not really a collectible. Less than 1500 would seem acceptable. Absolutely no more than that for a reblue.

06-27-2023, 08:50 PM	#6
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 725 Thanks: 2,090 Thanked 606 Times in 327 Posts	From what you described, it sounds like the unmarked barrel is a replacement. Military barrels would be clearly marked. I'm thinking $1,200, mostly because of the barrel is questionable. Make sure it's a 9mm barrel and look for the witness marks under the barrel. pictures would be appreciated.

06-28-2023, 01:25 PM	#9
zinfull Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sonoma County CA Posts: 243 Thanks: 5 Thanked 33 Times in 16 Posts	What area of California do you reside? There are a few collectors still around Ca and would help you with finding a decent Luger.

06-28-2023, 04:56 PM	#12
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 725 Thanks: 2,090 Thanked 606 Times in 327 Posts	The acceptance stamps were buffed away, so that gun probably had a lot of corrosion and pitting before it was reblued. Pass on it. Lots of red flags.

07-01-2023, 09:53 AM	#13
MAUSER88 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 257 Thanks: 5 Thanked 58 Times in 31 Posts	It would probably make a good shooter. I wouldn't pay more then 1k for it.

01-27-2024, 03:16 AM	#14
Military Engineer User Join Date: Mar 2019 Posts: 41 Thanks: 9 Thanked 37 Times in 12 Posts	bump

01-27-2024, 10:43 AM	#15
G41M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Texas Posts: 35 Thanks: 83 Thanked 143 Times in 24 Posts	Pass on it, save your gold.