WTK: '42 BYF

Double T · 06-13-2002, 08:47 AM

I haven't seen the gun, but I trust the man that described it to me. I'm trying to esbablish a number to offer for the gun. My intention is to resell... but I'm beginning to love these beautiful guns and just might have to keep this one.

Like I said, I've known the man for over 40 years and trust his word, so ASSUMING that all is as described, whattaya think???

It is a 1942 BYF, not sure of the proofs or barrel length, but described as a "Luger". He knows his guns, so thats probably what it is. The gun is LNIB!!!! Near 100% condition with all matching parts including mag and holster! Given this, it was probably never in combat, wouldn't you say? He says the holster and if memory serves, the gun as well, has swastika markings.

What price range are we looking at and what addition info should I gather to make a final determination?

Thanks,
Ron

Roadkill · 06-13-2002, 09:41 AM

Sir, recommend you go look at it or at minimum get photos. I don't wish to be negative but the old addage "if it sounds too good to be true...." may apply. However these finds do exist and have been real. It would be difficult to determine combat use based on condition. Field use, definitely. Some of the worst looking guns I've ever seen were used exclusively for training. Hope the deal works out.

RK

John Sabato · 06-13-2002, 10:40 AM

I concur,

If you haven't personally seen the gun, or at least good photographs, go see it.

No matter how much you trust the old guy, get concrete terms for returning the gun if it isn't up to your expectations...

Aaron · 06-13-2002, 11:04 AM

I feel I can give you some good advice, as I am sort of a specialist in the byf Lugers and I own a half dozen of them. I don't understand the reference to the "matching mag," as it should have a blank plastic bottomed FXO magazine. Anyway, to give you an idea of values, here are some prices I recently paid:

1. byf 42 in 99.9% mint condition, about as close to NIB as you can get, with spare mag, mint 1941 holster and Mauser tool, $1700. I value the holster at $250, the extra mag at $150, and the tool at $65, so the gun is worth about $1200.

2. byf 42 98%, $1000.

3. byf 42 95%, $800.

These all have FXO plastic bottom mags and Black Widow grips. Hope this helps.

Double T · 06-13-2002, 11:26 AM

Sage advice all.. and to be sure, if it were my own departed Dad, I'd look at the gun, get pics, and authentications from everyone I could before paying a premium.

I believe I can get him to let me hold the gun for a bit to have it authenticated.. so Roadkill.. he is just over in Columbus, Ga., perhaps you and I could meet somewhere up around your neck of the woods and check this puppy out.

Thanks all for the replies
Ron from LA (Lower Alabama, Eufaula)

kidvett · 06-13-2002, 12:00 PM

It is very difficult to state a price without seeing the pistol. It is my experience that a lot of people ( especially veterans ) calling me describe the pistol in VG cond/ as New....only for me to discover when I get a look at it that it is a 70-80% gun ( best case senario ). Remember that those people dont know as much about LUGERS as Collectors do [img]smile.gif[/img]

A recent experience of mine was a guy that had a picture of a 4 inch RUST safety marked LUGER that looked correct ( on the picture ). When I met him to look at it:
[img]eek.gif[/img] HORROR [img]eek.gif[/img] A complete MISMATCH that had been GRINDED and was RUSTED & PITTED all over...Guy wanted $1200CDN...NO SALE DEAL for me...

So my advice is to go have a look at it before making an offer [img]smile.gif[/img]

kidvett [img]cool.gif[/img]

Roadkill · 06-13-2002, 03:49 PM

Deal - I'm off Mon & Tue next week, send me a message and maybe we can get together, but I'm no pro at this, I have learned a lot since I started hanging around here though.

RK

MauserLugers · 06-13-2002, 05:32 PM

Hi,
The byf 42's can be found in excellent condition and with either black plastic grips or wood grips. All of them should have the same acceptance proofs and that is an E/135. Every few, if any, had matching numbered magazines. Some think none were ever made, and some think only a very few were matched. I personally would not believe it was original unless I knew the guy it was coming from and knew it had been in his possession since he picked it up. The magazines are usually either black plastic or blank aluminium bases fxo's. One last thing that I am hearing a lot lately is the word "MINT". There are a very few really close to mint guns out there, but most of the mint guns that you see today have been refinished. An all original conditioned Luger in 99% condition will still have some wear on the barrel band, the side rails, side plate, stock lug, and underside of the grip straps just above the magazine. Be aware if you "mint" gun doesn't have this wear! Also, "mint" guns are worth a big premium if original.

Double T · 06-13-2002, 07:38 PM

Roadkill... Beside me, I'm sure you are an encyclopedia of information. Six weeks ago I couldn't spell looger, now I've owned two and looking at purchasing two more.

I talked to the fellow in Columbus this afternoon and he is acceptable to me taking the piece out for a spin, but it'll be at least three or four weeks before it'll happen. Next Friday I turn into my alter eqo, park my computer, harness up the Kenworth, and pull a load of freight to California, Oregone, Montana, or some other place that I've never seen before. My wife and I do this about two or three times a year and its fixing to happen again. "Hey good buddy.. what'd ya see over yer shoulder, comeback"...

I'm looking forward to meeting you and discussing what seems to be a real find. Maybe it is...

Ron

Roadkill · 06-13-2002, 08:53 PM

Unless the ultimate vacation happens to me again I'll be around. Read the info here, take notes, these guys know what they are talking about. Don't always agree, but are definite in their opinions. I've really learned a lot.

RK

06-13-2002, 08:47 AM	#1
Double T User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Eufaula, Alabama Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	WTK: '42 BYF I haven't seen the gun, but I trust the man that described it to me. I'm trying to esbablish a number to offer for the gun. My intention is to resell... but I'm beginning to love these beautiful guns and just might have to keep this one. Like I said, I've known the man for over 40 years and trust his word, so ASSUMING that all is as described, whattaya think??? It is a 1942 BYF, not sure of the proofs or barrel length, but described as a "Luger". He knows his guns, so thats probably what it is. The gun is LNIB!!!! Near 100% condition with all matching parts including mag and holster! Given this, it was probably never in combat, wouldn't you say? He says the holster and if memory serves, the gun as well, has swastika markings. What price range are we looking at and what addition info should I gather to make a final determination? Thanks, Ron

06-13-2002, 10:40 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	I concur, If you haven't personally seen the gun, or at least good photographs, go see it. No matter how much you trust the old guy, get concrete terms for returning the gun if it isn't up to your expectations... __________________ 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..."*

06-13-2002, 09:41 AM	#2
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	Sir, recommend you go look at it or at minimum get photos. I don't wish to be negative but the old addage "if it sounds too good to be true...." may apply. However these finds do exist and have been real. It would be difficult to determine combat use based on condition. Field use, definitely. Some of the worst looking guns I've ever seen were used exclusively for training. Hope the deal works out. RK

06-13-2002, 11:04 AM	#4
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	I feel I can give you some good advice, as I am sort of a specialist in the byf Lugers and I own a half dozen of them. I don't understand the reference to the "matching mag," as it should have a blank plastic bottomed FXO magazine. Anyway, to give you an idea of values, here are some prices I recently paid: 1. byf 42 in 99.9% mint condition, about as close to NIB as you can get, with spare mag, mint 1941 holster and Mauser tool, $1700. I value the holster at $250, the extra mag at $150, and the tool at $65, so the gun is worth about $1200. 2. byf 42 98%, $1000. 3. byf 42 95%, $800. These all have FXO plastic bottom mags and Black Widow grips. Hope this helps.

06-13-2002, 11:26 AM	#5
Double T User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Eufaula, Alabama Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sage advice all.. and to be sure, if it were my own departed Dad, I'd look at the gun, get pics, and authentications from everyone I could before paying a premium. I believe I can get him to let me hold the gun for a bit to have it authenticated.. so Roadkill.. he is just over in Columbus, Ga., perhaps you and I could meet somewhere up around your neck of the woods and check this puppy out. Thanks all for the replies Ron from LA (Lower Alabama, Eufaula)

06-13-2002, 12:00 PM	#6
kidvett User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Montreal, Quebec Posts: 584 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	It is very difficult to state a price without seeing the pistol. It is my experience that a lot of people ( especially veterans ) calling me describe the pistol in VG cond/ as New....only for me to discover when I get a look at it that it is a 70-80% gun ( best case senario ). Remember that those people dont know as much about LUGERS as Collectors do [img]smile.gif[/img] A recent experience of mine was a guy that had a picture of a 4 inch RUST safety marked LUGER that looked correct ( on the picture ). When I met him to look at it: [img]eek.gif[/img] HORROR [img]eek.gif[/img] A complete MISMATCH that had been GRINDED and was RUSTED & PITTED all over...Guy wanted $1200CDN...NO SALE DEAL for me... So my advice is to go have a look at it before making an offer [img]smile.gif[/img] kidvett [img]cool.gif[/img]

06-13-2002, 03:49 PM	#7
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	Deal - I'm off Mon & Tue next week, send me a message and maybe we can get together, but I'm no pro at this, I have learned a lot since I started hanging around here though. RK

06-13-2002, 05:32 PM	#8
MauserLugers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Philipsburg, Montana 59858 Posts: 250 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 1 Post	Hi, The byf 42's can be found in excellent condition and with either black plastic grips or wood grips. All of them should have the same acceptance proofs and that is an E/135. Every few, if any, had matching numbered magazines. Some think none were ever made, and some think only a very few were matched. I personally would not believe it was original unless I knew the guy it was coming from and knew it had been in his possession since he picked it up. The magazines are usually either black plastic or blank aluminium bases fxo's. One last thing that I am hearing a lot lately is the word "MINT". There are a very few really close to mint guns out there, but most of the mint guns that you see today have been refinished. An all original conditioned Luger in 99% condition will still have some wear on the barrel band, the side rails, side plate, stock lug, and underside of the grip straps just above the magazine. Be aware if you "mint" gun doesn't have this wear! Also, "mint" guns are worth a big premium if original.

06-13-2002, 07:38 PM	#9
Double T User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Eufaula, Alabama Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Roadkill... Beside me, I'm sure you are an encyclopedia of information. Six weeks ago I couldn't spell looger, now I've owned two and looking at purchasing two more. I talked to the fellow in Columbus this afternoon and he is acceptable to me taking the piece out for a spin, but it'll be at least three or four weeks before it'll happen. Next Friday I turn into my alter eqo, park my computer, harness up the Kenworth, and pull a load of freight to California, Oregone, Montana, or some other place that I've never seen before. My wife and I do this about two or three times a year and its fixing to happen again. "Hey good buddy.. what'd ya see over yer shoulder, comeback"... I'm looking forward to meeting you and discussing what seems to be a real find. Maybe it is... Ron

06-13-2002, 08:53 PM	#10
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	Unless the ultimate vacation happens to me again I'll be around. Read the info here, take notes, these guys know what they are talking about. Don't always agree, but are definite in their opinions. I've really learned a lot. RK