I have an opportunity to buy a 1936 Luger. I gather from what little I know about them (other than I've wanted one forever) is it's mfg year is 1936, made by Mauser and it seems to be a German military arm.
Anything else from the experts here and a good value? He's asking $1,000.00
You are going to need a lot of photos and detail to get a "real" idea of worth. Originality is the key factor as there are a lot of mixed parts guns, condition is next.
Hello and and thanks for posting your question and photos of the luger that you're considering. As someone already explained, it would be helpful to have more photos. However... based on the photos you have posted there are a couple of "issues" that stand out. Let me begin by saying that I am not an expert; I've just handled a few lugers over the years and admire them greatly. With that said, let me begin by pointing out that the grips are not correct. Originally it would have had full checkered grips, not checkered grips with unchecked boarders. The smooth boarder grips were originally found on Swiss 06/24 Bern lugers. Personally, I think they look great, but they have been added by someone which makes me look more closely at what else may have been done. That concern leads to the second "issue" that stands out which is the straw color on the safety lever and trigger. The straw color changes over time, but the color on the trigger and safety of this example looks like it was just done yesterday. In addition, some folks would also say that the color of the straw is too orangish and should be more yellowish. The third "issue" that stands out involve the numbers stamped on the side plate, take-down lever and receiver. Normally, if there is such a thing with lugers, the serial numbers should all be the same. These numbers, particularly the "9" and the "4" appear in the photos as though they were possibly struck with different dies. Finally, that really great, close-up photo of the waffen-amt stamp suggests that the pistol may have been buffed and refinished. Once again, "normally" the acceptance stamps were done after the finish had been applied and on an example as clean as this one appears to be, the edges of the stamp would be sharper and more defined rather than smooth at the edges. With all of that in mind, it would appear to this non-expert that this example has been refinished. What does all of that mean in relation to the price of the pistol? Almost any luger these days will have a selling price of more than $1000. If it has been refinished, many "collectors" today will be turned off, but that's what "collectors" say about lots of things. If it has been refinished, it will not appreciate in value as fast as a pristine example. In today's market, you will seldom be offered any luger -- refinished or original -- for $1000 or less. Hope this helps. Best of luck and tell us what you decide.
Thanks for the extensive eval. I guess my gut instinct, I know he's had it for a few years after inheriting it with many other guns from his father and he's looking too cash out is to offer $750...up to $800 and point out what you had mentioned. Love the P08 and I don't want to be too far a purist to not get it...just like knowing the good and questionable of what I'm getting.
Thanks for the great info....and anyone else with more...plz chime in!
I have to agree with everything that sck said above. As sck said, look at the "49" on the toggle and how even the numbers are then look at the "49" on the extractor, side plate, and the takedown lever. The "4" looks smaller and a different font than the "9". Even the "S" in S/42 looks to be a different size.
Is it worth $1000, I don't know but again as sck said, the chances of running up on another one is slim. I would offer him a little less and see where that takes you, and thanks for the clear pictures.
This is a tough one. As far as being re-finished, I cannot say positively that it has (because of the machine marks still present under the bluing). Normal polishing would round over sharp edges and erase the machine marks.
I also questioned the 'font' size in the "S42", but I just looked at another Luger pistol and the font is the same as on this pistol. Heck - why not just get wild and crazy and offer the seller 8 - $100 bills and see what happens? This Luger has to be worth that....... Even a decent mix-match "shooter grade" P08 would fetch $500 to $600 at any Gun Show I've been to.
A disclaimer from me: I only buy guns that appeal to ME. I never buy firearms for an investment, even though I do have some valuable firearms. If this pistol is worth $800 to YOU - go for it. If you think it is worth more, and plan to make money off of it - PLEASE ignore my advice, and get the pistol appraised by a professional who will guarantee the value.
Posted a picture of a 1917 DWM artillery Luger here not too long ago. It's one of four Lugers in our safe. It's not perfect, and I probably paid too much for it - actually I know I did, but the last time I saw an artillery that was more or less affordable was about fifteen years ago, so I grabbed it.
Here's an S/42 I recently acquired.
It is all matching, including the magazine, nice barrel but has been heavily buffed and reblued. It also has a couple of areas of pitting that were too deep to buff out, (Side Plate and left side of barrel.)
I bought it as a shooter at $600.00.
Here's an S/42 I recently acquired.
It is all matching, including the magazine, nice barrel but has been heavily buffed and reblued. It also has a couple of areas of pitting that were too deep to buff out, (Side Plate and left side of barrel.)
I bought it as a shooter at $600.00.
Mine has a chamber date of 1937 and it is hard to tell if the "S" is the same as the OPs. It looks smaller than the OPs, but the buffing has wiped out some of the edges, so it's hard to tell. However it does appear to be slightly larger than the "42". (Could just be the font..)
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