Luger Model Year and Value?

Freebird · 12-18-2007, 02:26 PM

I was wanting to know if anyone can help me identify the Model Year and Value of my Luger. This is my first time on this site I was referred by someone off of The High Road Forum Site. The pictures are not the best and I will see if I can properly attach them. Thanks!

Edward Tinker · 12-18-2007, 02:28 PM

welcome to the forum; once you are actually approved, you will be able to see the rest of the sight.

I can see no pictures made it through. Even if we see photos, please give us the information to help you.

Toggle has what on it?

Serial number is what and does it have a suffix letter?

Proofs on the left or right and what are they?

Is there a date on the top?

Ed

Freebird · 12-18-2007, 02:36 PM

Thanks Ed! The Serial # is 3795 it has Gesichert on the safety pad. It has a squiggly design for lack of better words on the slide top and has a wood base on the clip. On the barrel it has a crown looking type stamp above the serial #. On the front of the gun on the frame just under the barrel it has the serial #3795 and Germany stamped under it with another squiggly stamp under it. Let me know if any other markings need to be noted. Thanks! I appreciate any and all help!

Edward Tinker · 12-18-2007, 02:49 PM

more than likely the design on top is DWM. That is not easy to see, but I bet you a lunch that is what it is.

If stamped 'germany" then it was imported in the 1920's or 1930's (most likely).

is it 9mm or 7.65mm?? Drop a pencil down the barrel, if it drops easily, then it is 9mm, if it is kinda close to tight, it is 7.65mm.

Ed

Freebird · 12-18-2007, 02:53 PM

I am told that it is a 7.65mm no darn pencils in the office just mechanical pencils.

Edward Tinker · 12-18-2007, 03:01 PM

The "Gesichert" is for the safety as you surmised. 30 luger (7.65mm) was very popular, and now 9mm is. A 30 luger sells for less and is less popular with collectors, but its a luger.

Ed

Freebird · 12-18-2007, 03:12 PM

So what value range would you say it would be in?

Edward Tinker · 12-18-2007, 03:22 PM

even with pictures it can be hard to say; $400 for a nickle plated one (none were from the factory like that) or if in "mint" condition, $1000-$1200??

Pictures are essential, just in "guessing", usually a hands on inspection is really needed to figure it out.

Lots of things come to play, condition, if all matching parts, and again, condition...

Ed

Freebird · 12-18-2007, 03:40 PM

Well the condition is very good! I wish I could post the pics maybe I am not allowed as of yet being a new member? Thanks! I appreciate all the help! I posted some pics up on the High Road, don't know if these will show up or not? One of the pics in here is of a Savage so please disregard it. Thanks again the info has been very helpful!

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.ph...=1#post4001838

I don't think this link will work?

Edward Tinker · 12-18-2007, 03:59 PM

I think Jim was correct and it has been reblued. I would guess being a 30 luger it is worth $400-$600

ed

Ron Wood · 12-18-2007, 04:10 PM

The link does work. The "squiggly" mark under the serial number on the front of the frame is a letter, it appears to be an "o" and is part of the serial number, i.e. #3795o. You have what is currently called a 1920 "Alphabet" Commercial Luger. It is a nice looking Luger, but it has been reblued.

Freebird · 12-18-2007, 04:21 PM

Yeah, looking at it now it appears to be a "o" so some say $1,100-$1300 and others like $400-$600. How can I be sure of what date and of the value?

Edward Tinker · 12-18-2007, 04:29 PM

because it has been reblued, its value is cut in half and for some lugers it would be cut even more. Rebluing destroys the collectable value.

go to www.gunbroker.com and look up 30 luger DWM luger and see what they have gone for over the last 90 days.

ensure you look at items that have actually sold and are reblued...

barr44 · 12-19-2007, 05:52 PM

Ed,

Just for info, how did you determine it had been reblued, because the parts that would normally be strawed are blue, or is there something else?
Thanks, barr

Ron Wood · 12-19-2007, 06:11 PM

Barr,
Yes, the parts that would normally be strawed are blue, but also the edges of the gun, particularly the side plate, are "soft" and do not show the crisp edges of an original finish, yet the blue is uniform and shows no signs of wear.

Freebird · 01-14-2008, 03:24 PM

Thanks to all of you! I appreciate all the help and info!

mpowers · 01-17-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Freebird - in order to help you with the description of your Luger, the clever folks who run this forum have provided a side-bar guide to reporting all the markings to be found on any Luger, no matter when it was made. It can be found on the home-page of this site.

Have a study of it, and then post us your response so that we can see what YOU can see.

And welcome to the forum!

tac

Don't want to sound dumb here, but where is the "side-bar guide" at? I've looked and maybe just over looked it.

Trying figure out what type of luger we have, I do know it's from 1945 or old as this is when it was aquired by my now dead Grandfather.

Thanks,
Mike

Edward Tinker · 01-17-2008, 04:01 PM

Use this link: http://www.lugerforum.com/ Tech section, History, etc. The FAQ is OLD and not the one I did, it is under New Collectors area...

Look to the left thats the sidebar they are talking about

most likely you are using a link someone gave you, but it bypasses some cool stuff

mpowers · 01-17-2008, 04:15 PM

Great thanks Edward!

12-18-2007, 02:26 PM	#1
Freebird User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Luger Model Year and Value? I was wanting to know if anyone can help me identify the Model Year and Value of my Luger. This is my first time on this site I was referred by someone off of The High Road Forum Site. The pictures are not the best and I will see if I can properly attach them. Thanks! __________________ Every man dies, not every man really lives. So Get busy living, or get busy dying. Right To Keep And Bear Arms Apparel (RKBA)

12-18-2007, 02:28 PM	#2
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; once you are actually approved, you will be able to see the rest of the sight. I can see no pictures made it through. Even if we see photos, please give us the information to help you. Toggle has what on it? Serial number is what and does it have a suffix letter? Proofs on the left or right and what are they? Is there a date on the top? 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

12-18-2007, 02:49 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	more than likely the design on top is DWM. That is not easy to see, but I bet you a lunch that is what it is. If stamped 'germany" then it was imported in the 1920's or 1930's (most likely). is it 9mm or 7.65mm?? Drop a pencil down the barrel, if it drops easily, then it is 9mm, if it is kinda close to tight, it is 7.65mm. 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

12-18-2007, 02:53 PM	#5
Freebird User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I am told that it is a 7.65mm no darn pencils in the office just mechanical pencils. __________________ Every man dies, not every man really lives. So Get busy living, or get busy dying. Right To Keep And Bear Arms Apparel (RKBA)

12-18-2007, 03:01 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	The "Gesichert" is for the safety as you surmised. 30 luger (7.65mm) was very popular, and now 9mm is. A 30 luger sells for less and is less popular with collectors, but its a luger. 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

12-18-2007, 02:36 PM	#3
Freebird User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks Ed! The Serial # is 3795 it has Gesichert on the safety pad. It has a squiggly design for lack of better words on the slide top and has a wood base on the clip. On the barrel it has a crown looking type stamp above the serial #. On the front of the gun on the frame just under the barrel it has the serial #3795 and Germany stamped under it with another squiggly stamp under it. Let me know if any other markings need to be noted. Thanks! I appreciate any and all help! __________________ Every man dies, not every man really lives. So Get busy living, or get busy dying. Right To Keep And Bear Arms Apparel (RKBA)

12-18-2007, 03:12 PM	#7
Freebird User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	So what value range would you say it would be in? __________________ Every man dies, not every man really lives. So Get busy living, or get busy dying. Right To Keep And Bear Arms Apparel (RKBA)

12-18-2007, 03:22 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	even with pictures it can be hard to say; $400 for a nickle plated one (none were from the factory like that) or if in "mint" condition, $1000-$1200?? Pictures are essential, just in "guessing", usually a hands on inspection is really needed to figure it out. Lots of things come to play, condition, if all matching parts, and again, condition... 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

12-18-2007, 03:40 PM	#9
Freebird User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well the condition is very good! I wish I could post the pics maybe I am not allowed as of yet being a new member? Thanks! I appreciate all the help! I posted some pics up on the High Road, don't know if these will show up or not? One of the pics in here is of a Savage so please disregard it. Thanks again the info has been very helpful! http://thehighroad.org/showthread.ph...=1#post4001838 I don't think this link will work? __________________ Every man dies, not every man really lives. So Get busy living, or get busy dying. Right To Keep And Bear Arms Apparel (RKBA)

12-18-2007, 03:59 PM	#10
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	I think Jim was correct and it has been reblued. I would guess being a 30 luger it is worth $400-$600 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

12-18-2007, 04:10 PM	#11
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	The link does work. The "squiggly" mark under the serial number on the front of the frame is a letter, it appears to be an "o" and is part of the serial number, i.e. #3795o. You have what is currently called a 1920 "Alphabet" Commercial Luger. It is a nice looking Luger, but it has been reblued. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

12-18-2007, 04:21 PM	#12
Freebird User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yeah, looking at it now it appears to be a "o" so some say $1,100-$1300 and others like $400-$600. How can I be sure of what date and of the value? __________________ Every man dies, not every man really lives. So Get busy living, or get busy dying. Right To Keep And Bear Arms Apparel (RKBA)

12-18-2007, 04:29 PM	#13
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	because it has been reblued, its value is cut in half and for some lugers it would be cut even more. Rebluing destroys the collectable value. go to www.gunbroker.com and look up 30 luger DWM luger and see what they have gone for over the last 90 days. ensure you look at items that have actually sold and are reblued...

12-19-2007, 05:52 PM	#14
barr44 User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: york co., va Posts: 151 Thanks: 27 Thanked 35 Times in 21 Posts	Re- Blued? Ed, Just for info, how did you determine it had been reblued, because the parts that would normally be strawed are blue, or is there something else? Thanks, barr

12-19-2007, 06:11 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	Barr, Yes, the parts that would normally be strawed are blue, but also the edges of the gun, particularly the side plate, are "soft" and do not show the crisp edges of an original finish, yet the blue is uniform and shows no signs of wear. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

01-14-2008, 03:24 PM	#16
Freebird User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks to all of you! I appreciate all the help and info! __________________ Every man dies, not every man really lives. So Get busy living, or get busy dying. Right To Keep And Bear Arms Apparel (RKBA)

01-17-2008, 04:01 PM	#18
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	Use this link: http://www.lugerforum.com/ Tech section, History, etc. The FAQ is OLD and not the one I did, it is under New Collectors area... Look to the left thats the sidebar they are talking about most likely you are using a link someone gave you, but it bypasses some cool stuff __________________ 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

01-17-2008, 04:15 PM	#19
mpowers User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Great thanks Edward!