S-date Krieghoff

Keep a glass of water near you in case you catch fire reading this message. First, rank the value of the following:


1. original condition as-manufactured S-date HK Suhl luger with 98% finish and non-matched magazine.


2. mismatched import dip-blued S-date HK Suhl luger with mismatched magazine and replaced grips.


3. 60% finish S-date HK Suhl luger with uneven finish (finish differs in wear on differing parts), some scratches on the front grip strap but as-manufactured grips and all. Has a mismatched magazine but is all original, if uneven and worn, finish. Slight chance of cold blue on sideplate but my inspection suggests it is typical inconsistent HK finish.


4. Reblued and restrawed (well-done "restoration" grade rework) HK Suhl S-date luger in 99% finish with all original matched parts and a period mismatched magazine (not HK mag).


I spoke with someone who wishes to restore a 60% HK S-date luger. The belief is it will have more value restored.


Some data so far: Simpson's LTD lists 95% S-date HK lugers like this at around $2800-3000. The restoration might have a value of $1850 or so as it appears the collector mkt may be increasing the value of reworked lugers. It seems reworked lugers sell slowly; River Bend had a K-date restoration that was for sale for a long time though it was advertised as a quality restoration. Other restorations also seem to hang around quite a while on his list.


Ok, what are your rankings and your opinions on whether the 60% (could be 50-70% depending on your evaluation) luger should be left as is, restored, or something else?


dm