Is it of any value?

copladocus · 12-02-2006, 09:29 PM

Hi all. I just joined the group today.
I have a Luger that belongs to a friend and we were needing to find out if it is an item worth getting appraised. I have looked at a number of Luger websites and a great deal of electronic ink is spent on proof marks anad what they denote. This handgun has no such marking on it whatsoever. It has matching serial numbers on the underside of the barrel and above and in front of the trigger guard on the frame. The serial number is a three digit number in the low 100's. I read elsewhere that German Lugers all had four digits or more in their serials.
So, is it real and worth getting appraised?
Where else should I look on or in the pistol for identifying information?
Should I lock it in a bank vault or use it for a doorstop?
I will appreciate any and all responses.
Thank you.

Edward Tinker · 12-02-2006, 10:53 PM

Tom, always glad to see a retired cop, I am retired Army MP

We'd need a lot more info to give you any good scoop.

Military sn's started at 1, went through 10,000, then started at 1a, 2a, etc., so a 4 digit was the MAX they had (I have only seen pictures of 10,000 serial numbered guns...

I would guess there was a crown N somewhere, because if it received a serial number it means that it was about to be accepted, so either stolen from the factory or it has been rubbed off.

Appraised? I assume, you are asking; is it worth a ton of money instead of a normal luger price? a shooter luger is worth $500-$600, depending on condition. A "normal" collector price is about $800-$1500, and can be more. If it is not marked on the top, such as DWM, then it could be one of the so-called "sneaks", a time period of transition from DWM to Mauser and you find toggles with no manufacturer info, OR it has a replaced toggle that was blank.

Look to your left and go to the tech area and print out the forum of what info we want. but if you can provide digital pictures, lots of pictures, both sides, top, etc, and we can help. If you are worried about the serial number being seen, blank out the last 2 or something, although that is a lot less of a risk than folks believe. If you need help in showing pictures, then email me with them digitally;

[email protected]

Ed

copladocus · 12-03-2006, 04:40 PM

Ed,
Thanks for your reply. I have observed on other sites that there is a vast difference in Luger prices depending on collector value as a consequence of rarity, condition and established provenance. I was initially concerned that the piece might be of collector interest and getting the value it deserves in any sale for my friend. We have seen savvy buyers offer low ball prices for choice pieces to uninformed sellers. The scond point of worry was the absence of proof-marks and a serial number. If the number I found on the frame and barrel are indeed a serial, then I will stop worrying about being arrested for possessing it. I tried downloading the ID forms from this website and it locked up my computer. I will try again today. I do jewelry appraisals and have the ability to take excellent close up photos, so I will do so soon. Do I post those to the website or to specific members like you?
Again, I appreciate your response.

12-02-2006, 09:29 PM	#1
copladocus New User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Is it of any value? Hi all. I just joined the group today. I have a Luger that belongs to a friend and we were needing to find out if it is an item worth getting appraised. I have looked at a number of Luger websites and a great deal of electronic ink is spent on proof marks anad what they denote. This handgun has no such marking on it whatsoever. It has matching serial numbers on the underside of the barrel and above and in front of the trigger guard on the frame. The serial number is a three digit number in the low 100's. I read elsewhere that German Lugers all had four digits or more in their serials. So, is it real and worth getting appraised? Where else should I look on or in the pistol for identifying information? Should I lock it in a bank vault or use it for a doorstop? I will appreciate any and all responses. Thank you.

12-02-2006, 10:53 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,033 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Tom, always glad to see a retired cop, I am retired Army MP We'd need a lot more info to give you any good scoop. Military sn's started at 1, went through 10,000, then started at 1a, 2a, etc., so a 4 digit was the MAX they had (I have only seen pictures of 10,000 serial numbered guns... I would guess there was a crown N somewhere, because if it received a serial number it means that it was about to be accepted, so either stolen from the factory or it has been rubbed off. Appraised? I assume, you are asking; is it worth a ton of money instead of a normal luger price? a shooter luger is worth $500-$600, depending on condition. A "normal" collector price is about $800-$1500, and can be more. If it is not marked on the top, such as DWM, then it could be one of the so-called "sneaks", a time period of transition from DWM to Mauser and you find toggles with no manufacturer info, OR it has a replaced toggle that was blank. Look to your left and go to the tech area and print out the forum of what info we want. but if you can provide digital pictures, lots of pictures, both sides, top, etc, and we can help. If you are worried about the serial number being seen, blank out the last 2 or something, although that is a lot less of a risk than folks believe. If you need help in showing pictures, then email me with them digitally; [email protected] 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

12-03-2006, 04:40 PM	#3
copladocus New User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, Thanks for your reply. I have observed on other sites that there is a vast difference in Luger prices depending on collector value as a consequence of rarity, condition and established provenance. I was initially concerned that the piece might be of collector interest and getting the value it deserves in any sale for my friend. We have seen savvy buyers offer low ball prices for choice pieces to uninformed sellers. The scond point of worry was the absence of proof-marks and a serial number. If the number I found on the frame and barrel are indeed a serial, then I will stop worrying about being arrested for possessing it. I tried downloading the ID forms from this website and it locked up my computer. I will try again today. I do jewelry appraisals and have the ability to take excellent close up photos, so I will do so soon. Do I post those to the website or to specific members like you? Again, I appreciate your response.