Newbie johnw with 1940-42 questions

johnw · 06-18-2009, 02:57 PM

I am new to this forum and lugers in general. Not sure if I'm in the correct forum or not. With the help of this site I have started identifying my 1940-42 9mm that has been in the family for approx 30 yrs. Need some advice please:

1. what is it worth? (not very knowledgable with bluing or overall condition) Numbers all match serial 218 with exception of two magazines. Holster is dated 1937 with a quarter size rot hole in spare magazine slot.

2. the collection sheet - 'hold open device' yes or no; don't think mine has this but is that normal/ok for my model?

3. storage advice for gun and holster (holster has one spot of dry rot from lack of attention)

4. channels for selling if I decide to - gun shows, internet, etc?

Thank you

alanint · 06-18-2009, 03:09 PM

The top flap strap has also been replaced on this holster.

DavidJayUden · 06-18-2009, 03:47 PM

Value I'd place at $1000-$1200, depending on whether buying or selling. Should have a hold open (put an empty magazine in and pull the toggle all the way back to see if you have one). These guys are saying to store the lubed pistol away from the holster. Best avenues for selling? I watch GunBroker, but there are others probably as good.

George Anderson · 06-18-2009, 04:12 PM

Interesting holster. I'd like to see photos of the back and interior with lid lifted.

johnw · 06-18-2009, 07:58 PM

Thanks guys for responding. I am attaching more photos of the holster. I do not have the hold open device. Is this something that should be on this model? If yes can it be added easily? Stamped piece?

Thanks again for replies.

johnw

FNorm · 06-18-2009, 08:23 PM

Hold open devices were mandated in May 1913. Most earlier pistols were recalled to the factory and the device was added. A small pin inserted through the frame behind and above the trigger. Then a proof type stamp to show that this was authorized. The fact that your's doesn't have either the device nor the pin helps with it's identification.

FNorm · 06-18-2009, 08:32 PM

Whoops. I posted to the wrong subject. Disregard.

FN

Edward Tinker · 06-18-2009, 11:19 PM

Selling here on the forum is not a bad thing, value is about what David said, the holster since it has been damaged on the magazine pouch is not worth much.... but can be fixed.

Internet is good, such as gunbroker, but figure fees of $35-$55 and gun shows or shops, you will be offered around $500-$600 most likely.

Ed

PS; since all lugers after 1913 were mandated to have hold opens, either you have one and its broken, or it came out. It is a numbered part, which can affect value drastically. Value down several hundred to most folks.

Way to tell, take it apart and take a picture of the frame (part you hold in your hand) from above, and it will show us if it has a hold open. Be aware that the take down will be tight, but once you push the barrel back with your hand it comesa "free" feeling and will then turn.....

johnw · 06-26-2009, 08:38 AM

Looks like mine is missing. Since this is a stamped piece is it possible to find one with a matching number? Suggestions on parts suppliers? I do see the list on the forum so will try those.

Also any suggestions on gun and holster storage to protect both?

Thank you

Ice · 06-26-2009, 08:59 AM

You have a small chance of finding a matching number holdopen. Contact forum member Luger Doc. Chances are he will have the part you need along with the small spring.

Connollys Hide Care will have preserve the holster. I store mine in a large Ziploc. Just oil your pistol and store it in a dry place, perhaps wrapped in waxed paper and placed in a box.

Welcome to the forum!

Charlie

Gun Parts Sales & Repairs
Tom Heller (Luger Doc)
P O Box 398
St Charles MO 63302
Tel 636-447-3006
Email- hellerarms@webtv.net

SteveM · 06-27-2009, 08:54 AM

Is anyone else bothered by the serial number on the barrel? To me, the "1" just doesn't look correct.

johnw · 06-27-2009, 01:47 PM

I agree about the serial number. It looks like someone has 'worked' on it but not since in my posession (approx 30 years). All other numbers match so not sure what happened.

jamese · 06-28-2009, 07:42 AM

Steve,
I agree the "one" has been restamped at some point in its life and with the hold open missing, it will reduce the price to a shooter

Jim

06-18-2009, 02:57 PM	#1
johnw New User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Newbie johnw with 1940-42 questions I am new to this forum and lugers in general. Not sure if I'm in the correct forum or not. With the help of this site I have started identifying my 1940-42 9mm that has been in the family for approx 30 yrs. Need some advice please: 1. what is it worth? (not very knowledgable with bluing or overall condition) Numbers all match serial 218 with exception of two magazines. Holster is dated 1937 with a quarter size rot hole in spare magazine slot. 2. the collection sheet - 'hold open device' yes or no; don't think mine has this but is that normal/ok for my model? 3. storage advice for gun and holster (holster has one spot of dry rot from lack of attention) 4. channels for selling if I decide to - gun shows, internet, etc? Thank you Attached Thumbnails

06-18-2009, 07:58 PM	#5
johnw New User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Reply from johnw Thanks guys for responding. I am attaching more photos of the holster. I do not have the hold open device. Is this something that should be on this model? If yes can it be added easily? Stamped piece? Thanks again for replies. johnw Attached Thumbnails

06-18-2009, 11:19 PM	#8
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,919 Thanks: 1,998 Thanked 4,511 Times in 2,083 Posts	Selling here on the forum is not a bad thing, value is about what David said, the holster since it has been damaged on the magazine pouch is not worth much.... but can be fixed. Internet is good, such as gunbroker, but figure fees of $35-$55 and gun shows or shops, you will be offered around $500-$600 most likely. Ed PS; since all lugers after 1913 were mandated to have hold opens, either you have one and its broken, or it came out. It is a numbered part, which can affect value drastically. Value down several hundred to most folks. Way to tell, take it apart and take a picture of the frame (part you hold in your hand) from above, and it will show us if it has a hold open. Be aware that the take down will be tight, but once you push the barrel back with your hand it comesa "free" feeling and will then turn..... __________________ 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

06-26-2009, 08:38 AM	#9
johnw New User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Finding a hold open device Looks like mine is missing. Since this is a stamped piece is it possible to find one with a matching number? Suggestions on parts suppliers? I do see the list on the forum so will try those. Also any suggestions on gun and holster storage to protect both? Thank you

06-28-2009, 07:42 AM	#13
jamese User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 789 Thanks: 0 Thanked 84 Times in 34 Posts	Steve, I agree the "one" has been restamped at some point in its life and with the hold open missing, it will reduce the price to a shooter Jim __________________ The "truth" is a matter of Perception

06-18-2009, 03:09 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	The top flap strap has also been replaced on this holster.

06-18-2009, 03:47 PM	#3
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Value I'd place at $1000-$1200, depending on whether buying or selling. Should have a hold open (put an empty magazine in and pull the toggle all the way back to see if you have one). These guys are saying to store the lubed pistol away from the holster. Best avenues for selling? I watch GunBroker, but there are others probably as good.

06-18-2009, 04:12 PM	#4
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,528 Times in 787 Posts	Interesting holster. I'd like to see photos of the back and interior with lid lifted.

06-18-2009, 08:23 PM	#6
FNorm Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 978 Thanks: 68 Thanked 127 Times in 108 Posts	Hold open devices were mandated in May 1913. Most earlier pistols were recalled to the factory and the device was added. A small pin inserted through the frame behind and above the trigger. Then a proof type stamp to show that this was authorized. The fact that your's doesn't have either the device nor the pin helps with it's identification.

06-18-2009, 08:32 PM	#7
FNorm Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 978 Thanks: 68 Thanked 127 Times in 108 Posts	Whoops. I posted to the wrong subject. Disregard. FN

06-26-2009, 08:59 AM	#10
Ice User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 552 Thanks: 13 Thanked 69 Times in 57 Posts	You have a small chance of finding a matching number holdopen. Contact forum member Luger Doc. Chances are he will have the part you need along with the small spring. Connollys Hide Care will have preserve the holster. I store mine in a large Ziploc. Just oil your pistol and store it in a dry place, perhaps wrapped in waxed paper and placed in a box. Welcome to the forum! Charlie Gun Parts Sales & Repairs Tom Heller (Luger Doc) P O Box 398 St Charles MO 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 Email- hellerarms@webtv.net

06-27-2009, 08:54 AM	#11
SteveM User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,016 Thanks: 94 Thanked 275 Times in 137 Posts	Is anyone else bothered by the serial number on the barrel? To me, the "1" just doesn't look correct.

06-27-2009, 01:47 PM	#12
johnw New User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I agree about the serial number. It looks like someone has 'worked' on it but not since in my posession (approx 30 years). All other numbers match so not sure what happened.