Code 42 9mm w Mauser Proofs

[anton188]

Hello everyone. I found an old Luger 9mm in a relative's basement and am trying to establish a value on it. Right off the bat, I have to tell you that it has some minor to moderate pitting in a few areas but is otherwise in VG condition. Overall Bluing I estimate to be at least 75%. Following the Luger Identification Form I found on this site the following is what I have for information:
1) Toggle Code is 42
2) Chamber description is 1939
3) Toggle Knob Style is Squared & Knurled
4) Grip Safety is NOT present
5) Stock Lug IS present
6) Caliber is 9mm
7) Grip Type is Black Plastic, checkered and does have screw holes on inside of grips but no other markings.
8) Thumb Safety is 'safe' in REAR position, marking below is "Gesichert"
9) Markings are many and as follows: 883 located under barrel; eagle proof w 63 below at top left of barrel; eagle proof w/o number at right side of barrel; small script 's' proof below serial # @ underside of barrel; 3 eagle proofs on right side of breechblock, left is coded 63, center is coded 63 and right has no code (these appear to match description #46 & #47 found on Parabellum site).
10) Barrel length is 4"
11) Marking on left side of extractor is "Gelader"
12) Front sight is adjustable blade (windage only), Rear sight is fixed dovetail notch
13) Magazine Bottom Plug material appears to be aluminum. Numbers match! Markings are 1857, small script 's' proof, another small proof that looks like an inverted cross (?), and eagle proof with 63 underneath that appears to be the same as the ones on the Left & Center of breechblock proofs.
14) Serial Number is 1857 and all numbers match!
Again the overall condition of the pistol is very good. The only detriment is the obvious pitting. However, the pistol operates properly and fires well. With the assistance of local enthusiasts I have found this pistol to be a fairly accurate shooter. Now, with your help, I would like to establish some sort of value for this Luger. I will upload pictures when I can figure out the best way to take them with the limited digital media at my disposal. If you need any more information to help me determine this just ask. Thanks!
Raymond A.

[DavidJayUden]

Hard to tell without pictures, but given the pitting issue, I'll suggest a $750 value.
dju

[mrerick]

Hi Raymond, and welcome to the forum.

An all matching Luger with matching magazine is more rare to find, as the magazines were often mixed up as the pistols were used during the war and after.

You would expect the grips on a 1939 Mauser made code "42" Luger to be wood, so it's likely that these were replaced at some time. Unfortunately, that makes the Luger non-matching.

Depending on the degree of finish wear and the pitting, I would agree with David's estimate. Perhaps more. Max of about $1000.

The "+" sign on the magazine indicates it was the second of two supplied with the Luger .

It will be interesting to see if the grips are original to the period...

Marc