Help valuing a 1938 S/42

[01KLR]

First post! Longtime milsurp collector, but new to Lugers.

A friend of mine is looking to sell a ’38 S/42 Luger his father-in-law acquired during WWII. I am interested in buying it but am having trouble figuring out what to offer him.

Based on the markings, I think it is a standard army-issue pistol.

All parts match except for the magazine. The bore is in fair condition — decent rifling, but dark with lots of pitting. It seems tight mechanically and a function check with dummy rounds indicates everything works as it should.

It has the “million dollar chip” on the left grip and the right grip has an area where the checkering is heavily compressed. Both grips are unnumbered.

It comes with a hardshell holster in remarkably good condition marked “Gebrüder Klinge Dresden 1936”, a spare wood-bottom (slightly chipped on one side) plated magazine, and a loading tool marked “2.17” with no other marks or proofs. Unfortunately, the young solider who brought this rig back decided to stencil his name in yellow paint across the front of the holster. It also has a crude wire hanger through the belt loops, like it was once attached to a GI pistol belt.

They do not have capture papers for it.

I’ve worked with Simpson Ltd in the past and did a survey of Mauser Lugers on their site, but all of their listings look to be in better condition. This, and what I’ve read on this forum, leads me to think this particular example might be more of a shooter than a collector. I’d actually like to own one I can occasionally shoot without feeling bad about devaluing it.

I’d appreciate any and all opinions on what might be a fair price for the pistol and associated accessories, keeping in mind that I’m buying from a friend. Thanks!