Do you guys mind another one of these "help" threads?

[historicus]

My grandfather must have brought this home from WW2.

It's been in a cedar chest for decades. Probably not been shot since the war, but it appears to be in working condition.

I am guessing the 1939 looking at the top of the gun near the middle (by the firing mechanism just before the start of the barrel??) is the year made ??

On the left side in the same spot is 8869. And 69's are then all over the gun except for the clip which has 7378.

I've not seen a clear grip like this anywear and it is slightly cracked so I dont want to mess with it. He put pictures there himself because they are of him and his mother. If I remove the clip I can see the pictures from within so it must be just a clear piece of plastic.

I do not plan on selling. It will remain in the family for as long as I can help it.

Does the grip devalue the weapon?

Should I attempt to fire it? I have plenty of other modern firearms - although no Rugers.

Pictures are coming.

Thanks for any help.

[historicus]

It also has from what I can tell from internet searches is the original holster in good condition.

[historicus]

Sorry for the over sized pictures.

Not sure how to resolve that.

[Mauser720]

historicus -

Yes, it is a 1939 Mauser-made Luger.

The see-through plexiglass grips do detract from the collector value; however, this particular Luger has a family history to go with it too.

Once in a while a GI would install these see-through grips and put a picture of his wife or sweetheart under the grips.

The finish looks a little rough, so maybe it was not stored properly.

Since the finish is a little rough, and since it is missing its original grips, my tentative opinon would be that if you want to shoot it, that should be okay.

Question: What markings are on the toggle?

[MFC]

Hi Historicus,
It is a Luger, not a Ruger. The 1939 over the chamber is the date it was made. The forward toggle should have S/42 or 42 stamped on it... both are codes for Mauser.
The grips are plexiglass, probably from an aircraft. Many GI's did this to there prized Lugers. Many also had them nickle plated. Sadly the condition of the finish suggests that it was stored improperly, in a humid environment, which puts it in a shooter catagory.

Edit...Ron beat me to it.

[historicus]

What markings are on the toggle?

Where is that exactly?

And thank you very much for your response.

[historicus]

It is a Luger, not a Ruger

I can't believe I made that mistake, but thanks for clarifying. And thanks for your response.

Should I attempt to find original grips, or buff/restore/clean it?

Let me check for those numbers on the toggle

[historicus]

the toggle has just the number 42


even as "just a shooter" what would you consider the firearm's value to be.

(obviously sentimental value to me is priceless, but its the obvious question to ask)

[DavidJayUden]

On the open market probably $700 max. But as you said, to your faimily, priceless. Congrat's.
dju

[historicus]

Another question:

When I open up the holster there is a tiny pocket just underneath the top cover which is empty now. It's almost like a mini-holster only the size of a couple inches. Along the side appears to be a clip pocket.

What would that small opening have been designed for?

[c3006]

A loading tool that looks like a key went there. That is one great piece of history, Great pic of your grandfather and his mother. Quite a treasure. Thanks for shareing c

[historicus]

Thanks. I really wished I knew more about where he was located, but unfortunately he died 30 years ago, and my father is a Vietnam vet who doesnt talk about these things easily.

the loading tool is a piece I would like to pick up and make the set complete.

Also, I just tried pulling back the top part (not sure of its name. i guess thats the toggle bolt) and now its stuck in the pulled back position. pulling the trigger does nothing - even though i dont want to dry fire it improperly.

How do I resolve this??

Its not the safe.

[FNorm]

That's called the 'Hold Open' the toggle stays back on an empty magazine. Take the mag out, pull back on the toggle and it will close. BUT, do this slowly, holding it against the spring tension, about 3/8s of an inch before full closure, pull the trigger back and hold it. Thus the action will close, but not arm the firing pin.

FN

[historicus]

Thanks FNorm!

Worked like a charm.

You guys are one helpful, friendly bunch.

Many thanks to each.

[Ron Wood]

Please do not replace those grips. It will not add to the value of the gun and they are a treasured momento of your grandfather.

[Railsplitter]

You are correct, that is the toggle. It isn't really stuck, it is being held in that position by an internal "hold-open" latch. The pistol is designed to stay in that position after you fire your last round and the magazine (clip) is empty. Simply remove the magazine and pull the toggle back about a mm or so. You should hear a faint "click". This is the sound of the hold-open disengaging the bolt. Then you can allow the toggle to settle back down on the pistol and reinsert the magazine.

[coto129]

Me gusta la apretones ..... Toda Hijo Una Historia.
**... Gran valor sentimental Que Tiene Su arma




Was it normal a few grips personalized in the luger?




Antonio

[historicus]

Please do not replace those grips. It will not add to the value of the gun and they are a treasured momento of your grandfather.

I very much appreciate the advice Ron, and will leave them be. I'll teach my children the same as they hopefully pass this on eventually down the family tree.


What about a professional buffing, or restoring the barrel etc...?

Not necessarily to increase value but perhaps to preserve longevity of the pistol?

[historicus]

You are correct, that is the toggle. It isn't really stuck, it is being held in that position by an internal "hold-open" latch. The pistol is designed to stay in that position after you fire your last round and the magazine (clip) is empty. Simply remove the magazine and pull the toggle back about a mm or so. You should hear a faint "click". This is the sound of the hold-open disengaging the bolt. Then you can allow the toggle to settle back down on the pistol and reinsert the magazine.

Thanks Railsplitter.

Thats pretty much how it worked.

I'm going to invest some time this weekend looking for a manual to become comfortable with it.

I am really looking forward to taking this to the range!

[historicus]

Me gusta la apretones ..... Toda Hijo Una Historia.
**... Gran valor sentimental Que Tiene Su arma

Gracias Coto. A mi me gustan demasiado. Yo no sé si hasta tengo otra foto de mi bisabuela. Puede ser que sea el único, de modo que sí, el valor sentimental no tiene precio y la lección de historia que esto enseñar a mis hijos también.

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