Opinions RE value of 1918 Erfurt P08

[Gary H]

LugerForum members:
I've come across a 1918 Erfurt PO8 for sale and I'm trying to evaluate the approximate value. The seller is asking $2,000 for it. I'm not new to this forum since many years ago a number of you helped me learn about an LP08 that I inherited. However, I am not up to speed with today's values. It appears (from the exterior) to be all matching except for the magazine, which appears to be an unnumbered (perhaps a faint number was once there?) Erfurt magazine. It appears to be in very good condition (95%?) but with very little straw. The bore appears to be to excellent. There is no import mark. The seller allowed me to snap a few photos for the purpose of doing research and seeking advice. They are not the greatest. What kind of range are we realistically talking about? I was just looking at Simpson LTD and the range of prices seems wide. Thanks for any insight you can give.
Gary

[Kiwi]

Gary,
That gun is worth exactly what someone is prepared to pay for it.
other than Simpson, have you looked at Gunbroker ?


You can set filters to just look at DMW (59 for sale)
Then look at Mausers (125 but most are non P08 here)
Then select Luger (54 for sale)

At any time there are about 100 for sale
Look at the condition and price - especially look to see IF anyone is bidding
No bids means no one is interested at that price
Download and read the FAQ file here that many members have spent hours assembling to answer condition questions


Then YOU decide if that pistol is worth that price TO YOU

Good luck

[jeb111]

Gary if you like it and can afford it then buy it. Unless your in the business of turning it over to make a profit don't worry about it. Obviously nobody wants to over pay but if the price is a little higher than you think it should be in the long run will it really matter? I've beaten myself up many times over purchases like these and only regret the ones I didn't make because at the time I thought the price was higher than I thought it was worth at the time.
Good Luck

[pauly]

Sage advice from Jeb111. You can also offer less, asking is free.

Originally Posted by jeb111

Gary if you like it and can afford it then buy it. Unless your in the business of turning it over to make a profit don't worry about it. Obviously nobody wants to over pay but if the price is a little higher than you think it should be in the long run will it really matter? I've beaten myself up many times over purchases like these and only regret the ones I didn't make because at the time I thought the price was higher than I thought it was worth at the time.
Good Luck

[Norme]

Hi Gary,
I think the price asked is a little steep for a fairly common gun with a nondescript magazine, $1,500.00 to $1,750.00 would be more appropriate.
Norm

[Edward Tinker]

yes, I agree with Norm - its about $4-500 too high to me?

Of course, nicer the item, the more valuable, but for 2K I would want an original matching magazine....

[DonVoigt]

$2k is too much as noted above, I think $1500 is too much.
About a $1200 pistol, JMHO.

[lugerholsterrepair]

It appears (from the exterior) to be all matching...Red flag here! You have to crack the egg open to see if it's good or rotten. Don't ever blindly buy a Luger without seeing the inside..grips and all. Parts might be mis numbered or not there at all! Make any purchase decision on the WHOLE gun NOT It appears (from the exterior) to be all matching.

I agree with Don. Even if the inside proves out..$1,200 would be fair. 2K is WAY out . Keep looking.

[Geo99]

I don't know what it's worth from the few pictures, but assuming it's all good and original -
I also agree with Norme - $1500 easy sale, $1750 retail, $2000 sucker price.

No one is going to sell you a 95% all matching Luger for $1200 these days, especially not Simpson's.

[Doubs]

Make that three of us who think $1200 is much closer to the true value. By 1918 Erfurt quality had slipped because of the pressures of the war to provide weapons faster. While a 1918 Erfurt will function as it should, the finish will be rougher than earlier years. It is likely the most commonly encountered year too.

[Heinz]

I would not pay more than 1200. It is a fairly common date for Imperial Lugers and both the Erfurt and DWM have slightly lower quality builds in 1918. I own a 1918 DWM so I think I get to say that.

[RShaw]

Well, for what it's worth, I have an all matching 1917 P08 DWM from 1917 with 1 matching original wood base magazine and numbered matching grips. Condition is at least 90% (you be the judge from the enclosed photos); bore is "excellent" meaning smooth, well defined rifling with no visible pitting. Exterior of the gun also shows no visible pitting.

I have fired this gun very occasionally with subsonic 9 mm rounds only, using a spare magazine; gun is fully functional. I paid EUR 1750 for it, which translates to about $2000 in November of 2016. At that tme I considered the price "fair" and the seller, a local dealer, a reasonable guy. Since then I have no regrets. Please see attached photos. Hope this helps!! Please remember that this purchase was made just over 4 years ago.

After going through similar mental gymnasics (Should I? Shouldn't ? Is he asking too much??) after asking a few experts whose opinion I trust, I just went for it. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with the $ you agree to pay. Even if later it appears you may have paid too much.... does it REALLY matter? In the long run, no...... IMHO

(Better than paying too little and feeling guilty about it... )

[DonVoigt]

Luger prices go up and down, and vary from locale to locale; let alone country to country.

We are now "arguing" whether it is "worth" $1200 or $1500, just a small range and well below $2k.
What Simpson charges is really irrelevant- unless you buy from them!

Shaw is correct, your money and your decision, but you can do way better for $2k. JMHO.

[MikeP]

I think their is opinion or philosophy, and guys are welcome to theirs.
Then there is current market value outside big dealers.

If someone really wants or needs something, it's up to them to pay what they are comfortable with.

That said, I think market value on this piece today is $1500.

[Stu]

Interesting thread as I'm in the market currently. My gut feeling agrees with the $1500 - $1750 range, if all matching, (bar magazine), but right now I haven't seen anything in that condition at that price point.

[Michigan Gunner]

It is high but also keep in mind that in 10 years the price of $2000 may well look like a steal. I remember passing up a nice Luger in the late 90's because I thought $700.00 was too much. Well, live and learn.

Lock and Load