Requesting help with identification

[juggernaut]

I am new to Lugers, and am confused by the dizzying variations of markings.

I have what I believe to be and artillery model Luger marked on the top as 1917, with the DWM in scrolled letters. There are four small proof marks on the right side of the receiver. All of the numbers (except on the bottom of the magazine) are marked 34, and the front under the barrel is marked 34 e. The piece appears fairly good for being a century old, and has a holster and crude wooden stock.

Any assistance of information from more knowledgeable members would be greatly appreciated.

[Norme]

Welcome to the forum!
You have an Artillery Luger complete rig and everything looks authentic so far. Even the leather strap and the leather holster cup have value and we would like to see more photos.
Norm

[mrerick]

Start with our FAQ document. Just follow the FAQ link. It will get you on the road to understanding.

[spangy]

Hi juggernaut and to the Forum. You have a nice Artillery semi complete rig (snail drum). Looks to be in excellent kit. Norme is 100% correct regarding value - that 'crude wooden stock' complete with cup and leather is worth $700.00 or more.
Now let's see if you can stop @ just 1. More photo's would be excellent if possible.

[juggernaut]

Thank you for your prompt responses. And my apologies for my own delayed response, I became ill and was not up to working o the computer. Attached are some additional photographs - as I am not skilled with that, the pictures are not great. Any thoughts as to the value of the Luger in its present state?

[spangy]

Prices have shot through the roof thanks to the Covid -19 fiasco. Not sure why as one has nothing to do with the other IMO.
But having said that the LP 08, known as the "Artillery Luger", was authorized by the Kaiser on 2 July 1913.
Artillery Luger's were primarily manufactured during the 5 years spanning WW1.



1917 Was the most productive year for the Artillery @ 90,000.
Today the easiest Artillery to obtain is the 1917 BUT many are in very bad shape ... yours is in good shape from what I can see but a hands on examination is needed for an accurate appraisal.
This was a weapon of war not a weekend shooter so often times the bore is 'shot out' on Artillery's meaning they may need work to put them right. Still others lay in mud at the bottom of a trench and are badly rusted ... again yours seems OK ... and others have evidence of blood corrosion as well. Normally your rig would fall into the $1.8k - 2.4k range circa 2022 but now it will be significantly higher ... 3k and up would not surprise me for a Luger rig - gun,holster, stock + leather in good shape, complete with snail drum add $600- 1800.

It should be noted that Mauser made Commemorative LP-08's in the early 70's as well as there was a nickle plated effort made out of Texas but all other manufacturing other than original DWM & Erfurt leave much to be desired in terms of metallurgy and design.

In all honesty you are apt to get a different $$ figure appraisal from each member on here. In other words the most accurate appraisal is that ANY Luger is worth what ANY man is willing to pay for it.

[Vlim]

Don't forget Mauser did a few contracts in the 1930s, as well as a number under French control. I do not share the opinion on metallurgical issues of non-DWM/Erfurt pistols.

Both DWM and Erfurt had their share of metalluric issues. So it's safe to say that the best LP08's were made by Mauser in the 1930s, followed by those in the 1980s.