Eugen buys a police rework

[Eugen]

So I am up to four Lugers now. Recently, I went to a regional gun show and bought a Luger on impulse. Yep, pretty much impulse. I am sure nobody has done that before.: rolleyes:

I brought it home and field stripped and pulled out my limited book library it try to determine just what I bought. I didn’t know it at the time, but it appears to be a police rework pistol. After a little research I thought I’d turn to my buds on the forum for advice. I’d appreciate your comments and the correction of any of my incorrect assumptions.

All the numbered parts match (#35) except the firing pin which is fluted, the mag and the grips, and perhaps the breech block. The grips don’t match each other: the left has a “S/42” or “S/421” over a drooping eagle above “164”. The right grip has a Fraktur font “5”. Is the right grip original?

I haven’t researched the mag yet. The are no side markings. The 3066 “O” with drooping eagle “63” are original to the 1918, but Weimar or Nazi era? Note the honest looking, strong right side alum wear. Was this from serious holster wear?

The frame and receiver is either a DWM or Erfurt. I am guessing Erfurt since it has several RC crown stamps. Goetz & Sturgess (G&S) write that mostly these are found on Erfurts and rarely on DWMs. Is this an Erfurt frame and receiver? Inspector “X” stamped his fraktur font mark on the front of the trigger guard. I could not find any sign of a mag safety ever being installed, just the sear safety.

The toggle has been polished and reblued (the frame and receiver appear to have original bluing) there is a faint portion of a “D” as in DWM still remaining. The front toggle has some pitting and I don’t understand any other reason for just that part being polished and reblued. The breech block has been restamped oddly. Is the toggle assembly a replacement or original to the pistol?

The barrel is clearly a replacement and a clear clue as to the police refurbishment with “PT” stamp on the barrel (a post 1934 Technical Police Academy symbol according to G&S) and a Weimar police eagle below it. There is also a “1” stamped on the barrel and non-imperial eagles with “33” below them. The barrel grooving was exceptionally bright, shiny and sharp and one of the reasons why I wanted to jump on it. I figured it would be a good shooter. After I cleaned and lubed it carefully, I went to the range and shot 28 rounds of WWB and she performed flawlessly and very accurately. Alright! Eugen is a happy boy.

Now for more questions. Did this pistol begin life in 1918 as an LP.08? Was it then acquired by the Weimar Police (PT) and the barrel and toggle replaced with standard P.08 9mm hardware since the Allies did not allow the German military or police to have LP.08s? Perhaps it always was a P.08 and the PT simply refurbished the pistol by replacing the barrel and cleaning up the toggle assembly and popping in a new firing pin and grips for police service? What do you think?

I would appreciate your opinion of this Luger’s worth. I am still in my rookie year of Luger mania and have no clue as to police rework Lugers’ value. I bought it for a shooter due to the replacement barrel, the reblued toggle and replacement striker. But, do the police reworks have special value as it is, mixed parts and all? Is this refurbished Luger collectible?

I paid $800. Did my impulsive behavior cost this rookie or do me a favor? Thank you for your helpful comments.