Navy Lugers-Original and Otherwise

tom · 04-24-2002, 04:31 PM

Gentlemen,

As one who has been collecting over 50 years and who now specializes in Navy toggle tops, I feel compelled to add my zwei pfennigs.

First of all, Navy pistols are not inflated in price. They simply follow classic economic theory. There ain't many of them and lots more folks want them than there are available pieces. Ergo, the price rises to meet demand.

Secondly,having stated the above, I freely admit that collecting Navy Lugers is not something that could be called a hobby for the frugal. They can be damnably expensive as a result of my previous comments. The ones with all of the accessories or having particular markings command a premium on top of the already high prices for the garden variety original navy.

Because of these factors, a prudent soul will do the "due dilligence" necessary to protect himself and his investment prior to consumating a deal with anyone for one of these pricey artifacts. Inherent in the due dilligence process is establishing beyond any doubt of a piece's authenticity. To do this requires some fairly indepth knowledge of arcane facts about how these beauties were made and the effects of time and oxygen on steel and wood.

What I am trying to say in a fairly roundabout way is that if a home made Navy Luger can fool you, you probably need to study a lot more before you step off down this collecting trail. There are some simple but fool proof ways to determine the authenticity of a Navy, including its markings, finish and internal parts. But one must know exactly what they are looking for AND at. Suffice it to say, one needs more than the naked eye and gunshow lighting to accomplish this.

So, let me bottom line it: If you have ANY doubt of your ability to distinguish a genuine, all original, navy from an "enhanced" or home made version, stay out of the water.

If any forum member is contemplating purchase of a Navy that is purported to be 100% original, I will be pleased to assist in the "due dilligence", off forum.

FWIW, and they are typically worth $2500 up,

Tom

04-24-2002, 04:31 PM	#1
tom User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 269 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Navy Lugers-Original and Otherwise Gentlemen, As one who has been collecting over 50 years and who now specializes in Navy toggle tops, I feel compelled to add my zwei pfennigs. First of all, Navy pistols are not inflated in price. They simply follow classic economic theory. There ain't many of them and lots more folks want them than there are available pieces. Ergo, the price rises to meet demand. Secondly,having stated the above, I freely admit that collecting Navy Lugers is not something that could be called a hobby for the frugal. They can be damnably expensive as a result of my previous comments. The ones with all of the accessories or having particular markings command a premium on top of the already high prices for the garden variety original navy. Because of these factors, a prudent soul will do the "due dilligence" necessary to protect himself and his investment prior to consumating a deal with anyone for one of these pricey artifacts. Inherent in the due dilligence process is establishing beyond any doubt of a piece's authenticity. To do this requires some fairly indepth knowledge of arcane facts about how these beauties were made and the effects of time and oxygen on steel and wood. What I am trying to say in a fairly roundabout way is that if a home made Navy Luger can fool you, you probably need to study a lot more before you step off down this collecting trail. There are some simple but fool proof ways to determine the authenticity of a Navy, including its markings, finish and internal parts. But one must know exactly what they are looking for AND at. Suffice it to say, one needs more than the naked eye and gunshow lighting to accomplish this. So, let me bottom line it: If you have ANY doubt of your ability to distinguish a genuine, all original, navy from an "enhanced" or home made version, stay out of the water. If any forum member is contemplating purchase of a Navy that is purported to be 100% original, I will be pleased to assist in the "due dilligence", off forum. FWIW, and they are typically worth $2500 up, Tom