Wartime P-08s: Questions <img BORDER="0" src='http://boards.rennlist.com/luger/pic.gif'>

chuck · 12-30-2001, 11:15 AM

This is my first visit to the Luger forum. As such, please pardon the naivety of my query. (I'm guessing that you've all seen/heard this before!)

I've been interested in the Luger for as many years as I can remember, but have never moved toward ownership until now. I suppose that I am rather fortunate in that I am an American army officer now stationed in central Germany, and a member of a local (German) shooting club.

While leafing through some brochures and catalogs at the club this morning, I noticed advertisements for World War II vintage P-08s from Mauser, DWM and Erfurt. Given the current exchange rate, the pricing on these ranges from $260 for a "good to very good" mixmaster, to $470 for a "very good" pistol with matching numbers. All of the above manufacturers are available for the same pricing.

I'm no expert, but half-a-Grand for a VG matched P-08 strikes me as an exceptional deal, assuming that everything is as advertised. I've read the FAQs here, and have tried to do a bit of research elsewhere, but I am still unclear on the relative desireability of one manufacturer or year versus another. In other words, are there noteworthy differences between pistols built during particular years and/or by particular manufacturers during the Second World War (i.e. is a 1939 Mauser more "desireable" than and 1941 DWM, etc.)?

I am interested in what might be coined a "somewhat collectible" pistol -- an interesting and attractive example of the breed that could also see some service out on the firing line. Since scarcity and value are of only tertiary concern, these old service pistols sound like they might be well-suited to my purposes; still, I would like to acquire a bit more informal education before pursuing the matter any further.

Does anyone have experience with these WWII variants? What should I know before buying such a pistol? What questions haven't I asked that I probably should have? What should my expectations be? Your comments and insights (as well as referrals to other relevant resources) would be most appreciated!

Chuck // Webmaster at the Stormbirds aviation site

Stormbirds.com
http://www.stormbirds.com/images/masthead.jpg

12-30-2001, 11:15 AM	#1
chuck User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: delaware Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wartime P-08s: Questions This is my first visit to the Luger forum. As such, please pardon the naivety of my query. (I'm guessing that you've all seen/heard this before!) I've been interested in the Luger for as many years as I can remember, but have never moved toward ownership until now. I suppose that I am rather fortunate in that I am an American army officer now stationed in central Germany, and a member of a local (German) shooting club. While leafing through some brochures and catalogs at the club this morning, I noticed advertisements for World War II vintage P-08s from Mauser, DWM and Erfurt. Given the current exchange rate, the pricing on these ranges from $260 for a "good to very good" mixmaster, to $470 for a "very good" pistol with matching numbers. All of the above manufacturers are available for the same pricing. I'm no expert, but half-a-Grand for a VG matched P-08 strikes me as an exceptional deal, assuming that everything is as advertised. I've read the FAQs here, and have tried to do a bit of research elsewhere, but I am still unclear on the relative desireability of one manufacturer or year versus another. In other words, are there noteworthy differences between pistols built during particular years and/or by particular manufacturers during the Second World War (i.e. is a 1939 Mauser more "desireable" than and 1941 DWM, etc.)? I am interested in what might be coined a "somewhat collectible" pistol -- an interesting and attractive example of the breed that could also see some service out on the firing line. Since scarcity and value are of only tertiary concern, these old service pistols sound like they might be well-suited to my purposes; still, I would like to acquire a bit more informal education before pursuing the matter any further. Does anyone have experience with these WWII variants? What should I know before buying such a pistol? What questions haven't I asked that I probably should have? What should my expectations be? Your comments and insights (as well as referrals to other relevant resources) would be most appreciated! Chuck // Webmaster at the Stormbirds aviation site Stormbirds.com http://www.stormbirds.com/images/masthead.jpg