New Collector

WehrmachtP08 · 01-03-2009, 07:37 PM

Currently I own one Luger, which is a Commercial P08 with an interesting history. (I'll post pics and it's known history in a separate post). I have always wanted to get into collecting firearms, and specializing in Lugers. Currently, I am 17, and cannot purchase my own firearms, but am trying to learn as much as possible. What is considered an excellent Luger collection (number of lugers, models, etc.)?

Ron Smith · 01-03-2009, 08:25 PM

Hi David,

It's kind of a case of, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The best thing to do is read every referrence that you can find on Lugers before you even begin to collect. Eventually you'll find the variation that interests you most.

The books, are in many cases, nearly half the cost of a decent Luger. So, if you have a good library in your town, check to see what they have. If you can find Jan Still's books? They would be hard to beat to start off with. There are several others, such as "Lugers at Random" by Kenyon which is dated and with inaccuracies , but is a good photo referrence. "Luger Tips" by Michael Reese is also a beginner's referrence, and which will give you an idea of variations.

"An Excellent Luger Collection" is hard to pin down. Quality and rarity is better than quantity in my opinion. Find what interests you and focus on that variation.

The least expensive "sleepers", in the opinion of many collectors are VOPO's and Russian captures. They aren't pretty, but can still be had at somewhat reasonable prices. Many believe that they will soon become their own catagory as collectable Lugers.

I see that you are in Virginia. Go to the Chantilly gun shows. Several respected members of this, and Jan Still's forum frequent that show. Some have tables and are willing to help new collectors. If you should run into a long lanky dude who goes by George Anderson? Hang on to your wallet and count your fingers after he shakes your hand. He'll be with a guy named Tom Armstrong who's also a bit on the shady side.

One final piece of advice is, don't buy until you know what you are buying. It's very easy to get burnt by boosted (faked) Lugers.

Welcome to the forum.

Ron

alvin · 01-03-2009, 09:25 PM

A C&R gun with lots of fans must be a gun with rich history. I feel John Walter's "The Luger Story" is an excellent starting point. It does not look into details of guns and accessories like other books, but it covers the origin, history, and transition of Lugers, in plain English.

The older edition is available on Amazon, a little more than $20. Start from top to see the whole picture, then acquiring other references going down into details.... that works for me so far. Of course, nothing replaces holding guns in hands to study them.

http://www.amazon.com/Luger-Story-St.../dp/0905778774

Edward Tinker · 01-03-2009, 09:37 PM

Whats most important is finding the era that interests you?

Commericial
WW1
Weimar
WW2

Walters is a good book to start on; Jones and Datig are good too but very dated.

Ed

01-03-2009, 07:37 PM	#1
WehrmachtP08 User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clifton, VA; West Point, NY Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	New Collector Currently I own one Luger, which is a Commercial P08 with an interesting history. (I'll post pics and it's known history in a separate post). I have always wanted to get into collecting firearms, and specializing in Lugers. Currently, I am 17, and cannot purchase my own firearms, but am trying to learn as much as possible. What is considered an excellent Luger collection (number of lugers, models, etc.)?

01-03-2009, 08:25 PM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Hi David, It's kind of a case of, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The best thing to do is read every referrence that you can find on Lugers before you even begin to collect. Eventually you'll find the variation that interests you most. The books, are in many cases, nearly half the cost of a decent Luger. So, if you have a good library in your town, check to see what they have. If you can find Jan Still's books? They would be hard to beat to start off with. There are several others, such as "Lugers at Random" by Kenyon which is dated and with inaccuracies , but is a good photo referrence. "Luger Tips" by Michael Reese is also a beginner's referrence, and which will give you an idea of variations. "An Excellent Luger Collection" is hard to pin down. Quality and rarity is better than quantity in my opinion. Find what interests you and focus on that variation. The least expensive "sleepers", in the opinion of many collectors are VOPO's and Russian captures. They aren't pretty, but can still be had at somewhat reasonable prices. Many believe that they will soon become their own catagory as collectable Lugers. I see that you are in Virginia. Go to the Chantilly gun shows. Several respected members of this, and Jan Still's forum frequent that show. Some have tables and are willing to help new collectors. If you should run into a long lanky dude who goes by George Anderson? Hang on to your wallet and count your fingers after he shakes your hand. He'll be with a guy named Tom Armstrong who's also a bit on the shady side. One final piece of advice is, don't buy until you know what you are buying. It's very easy to get burnt by boosted (faked) Lugers. Welcome to the forum. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

01-03-2009, 09:37 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Whats most important is finding the era that interests you? Commericial WW1 Weimar WW2 Walters is a good book to start on; Jones and Datig are good too but very dated. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

01-03-2009, 09:25 PM	#3
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	A C&R gun with lots of fans must be a gun with rich history. I feel John Walter's "The Luger Story" is an excellent starting point. It does not look into details of guns and accessories like other books, but it covers the origin, history, and transition of Lugers, in plain English. The older edition is available on Amazon, a little more than $20. Start from top to see the whole picture, then acquiring other references going down into details.... that works for me so far. Of course, nothing replaces holding guns in hands to study them. http://www.amazon.com/Luger-Story-St.../dp/0905778774