Value of inherited Luger?

rdurling01 · 03-24-2011, 03:40 PM

Folks,

I have inherited an Artillery Luger from my dad, and I am trying to determine if it is indeed an Arty and get some history on it. I am also planning to sell it to finance some other purchases, so I'd also like to get an idea of a fair asking price.

It is a beautiful 1916 model, numbers matching (except for the barrel and sight). I believe it was reblued quite a while ago (my dad bought it in 2002, so it was before that), and it was probably reworked some time ago.

Detailed pictures are posted at http://community.webshots.com/user/rdurling01 - look for the "Guns for sale" album. Thanks for all your help!

Ron

Edward Tinker · 03-24-2011, 04:23 PM

Ron welcome to the site. We actually like pictures posted here, however, I can tell you, without even looking at the gun, if it is reblued and a different barrel, it is worth $700-$1000, all depending on how much it was buffed and if it has an 8 inch barrel on it.

Ed

rdurling01 · 03-24-2011, 04:59 PM

Thanks, Ed. Here are a few pictures to whet your whistle. I have other views of details such as proof marks, etc., if that helps.

Ron

rdurling01 · 03-24-2011, 05:01 PM

BTW, although the pics don't show the rear sight, it is indeed on the gun, but it has no serial number.

sheepherder · 03-24-2011, 05:52 PM

I think I can say with some assurance that it is not a Luger 'Artillery barrel". The sight base is wrong.

Here is one on GB that has a soldered-on sight base. It looks a lot like yours. Artillery Luger sight bases were machined from the parent metal, not added afterward. Receivers were also notched to clear the rear sight leaf. There was no gap between the sight base and the barrel flange.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=221163376

Norme · 03-24-2011, 06:04 PM

Here's an Artillery sight and base. Regards, Norm

lugerholsterrepair · 03-24-2011, 07:49 PM

Ron, To answer your question directly..I would value your Father's Luger at around $600-700 .
It has it's share of problems that kick the value in the head. Restored..not too terrible a job, replacement grips, aftermarket magazine..long but weird barrel. It all boils down to a shooter Luger. Someone wanting this type...could be interested. Have you shot it? A good range report will help with the potential sale. If it shoots with no problems that news is worth knowing.

Hugo Borchardt · 03-25-2011, 12:49 PM

I agree with the assessments here. If the bore is good and it is functional, I believe the bidding would approach $1000 on an auction site as shooters do like the long barrels, and it is nice looking. Add a repro stock and holster and someone will be a hit at the range.

btw: That strange barrel has a proof mark on the right side and it looks like the adjustment part of the artillery site is missing?....

Clark

Edward Tinker · 03-25-2011, 01:54 PM

I think its one of those long barrel lugers you could order from the companies in the 1930's, 1950's and even into the 1960's and someone has added a rear sight to it.

I think if I was selling on my table, I could get a at least $900-$1000 for it. Would want to buy for $600, but I think its a nice shooter, nice looking, nice markings mainly and the average shooter would not know the difference in this and a $2500 artillery.

Ed

Norme · 03-25-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

I think if I was selling on my table, I could get a at least $900-$1000 for it. Would want to buy for $600, but I think its a nice shooter, nice looking, nice markings mainly and the average shooter would not know the difference in this and a $2500 artillery.

Ed

I think they would know the difference when they found that there was no rear sight! Best regards, Norm

Edward Tinker · 03-25-2011, 03:29 PM

Norm, I did not mean that in a negative way, it was meant as that most shooters could care less whether it is a true collectable piece or shooter/////////

I have shot long barreled lugers without an artillery sight and they shoot better than me.

Ed

Norme · 03-25-2011, 03:43 PM

Hi Ed, My point is that this gun needs a replacement Artillery sight leaf if it's to be at all useful as a shooter. I have no idea how much one of these would cost, I think you would have to figure at least a hundred bucks. Best regards, Norm

rdurling01 · 03-25-2011, 04:53 PM

Actually, it does have the sight leaf. It just wasn't on the gun when the first pictures were taken. The sight elevator was broken and had to be replaced. Here is a close-up shot of the sight now.

DavidJayUden · 03-25-2011, 04:54 PM

Is there a rear sight on the toggle?
dju

Aaron · 03-26-2011, 08:07 PM

If it's not an authentic artillery, wouldn't it be illegal to attach a stock to it?

FNorm · 03-26-2011, 08:29 PM

Clark, Aaron.

I think the way the law reads, after all the lawyer talk, is that you can shoot an original artillery or original Navy with a repro stock, but not the other way around. Dunno where this piece qualifies???

FN

lugerholsterrepair · 03-26-2011, 09:59 PM

I think there could be a good argument that it IS legitimate enough as an Artillery to warrent use of a stock. Your average guy wouldn't know about the sight base.

ithacaartist · 03-27-2011, 06:38 PM

Better hang on to that sight leaf! This one ain't cheap: http://www.cmrfirearms.com/shop/prod...roducts_id=262

rdurling01 · 03-27-2011, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

Is there a rear sight on the toggle?
dju

Nope, no sight on the toggle. Here is a closeup...

lugerholsterrepair · 03-27-2011, 09:41 PM

Ron, Thje sight is not found on the toggle but behind it..towards the rear of the pistol. Your photo crops out most of that area but shows some of it and I believe you are correct..it does not appear to be there?

03-24-2011, 03:40 PM	#1
rdurling01 User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Value of inherited Luger? Folks, I have inherited an Artillery Luger from my dad, and I am trying to determine if it is indeed an Arty and get some history on it. I am also planning to sell it to finance some other purchases, so I'd also like to get an idea of a fair asking price. It is a beautiful 1916 model, numbers matching (except for the barrel and sight). I believe it was reblued quite a while ago (my dad bought it in 2002, so it was before that), and it was probably reworked some time ago. Detailed pictures are posted at http://community.webshots.com/user/rdurling01 - look for the "Guns for sale" album. Thanks for all your help! Ron

03-24-2011, 04:23 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	Ron welcome to the site. We actually like pictures posted here, however, I can tell you, without even looking at the gun, if it is reblued and a different barrel, it is worth $700-$1000, all depending on how much it was buffed and if it has an 8 inch barrel on it. 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

03-24-2011, 04:59 PM	#3
rdurling01 User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks, Ed. Here are a few pictures to whet your whistle. I have other views of details such as proof marks, etc., if that helps. Ron Attached Thumbnails

03-24-2011, 05:52 PM	#5
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,183 Thanks: 1,400 Thanked 4,442 Times in 2,330 Posts	I think I can say with some assurance that it is not a Luger 'Artillery barrel". The sight base is wrong. Here is one on GB that has a soldered-on sight base. It looks a lot like yours. Artillery Luger sight bases were machined from the parent metal, not added afterward. Receivers were also notched to clear the rear sight leaf. There was no gap between the sight base and the barrel flange. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=221163376 __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

03-24-2011, 06:04 PM	#6
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,603 Times in 933 Posts	Here's an Artillery sight and base. Regards, Norm Attached Thumbnails

03-24-2011, 05:01 PM	#4
rdurling01 User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	BTW, although the pics don't show the rear sight, it is indeed on the gun, but it has no serial number.

03-24-2011, 07:49 PM	#7
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,772 Thanks: 4,940 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	Ron, To answer your question directly..I would value your Father's Luger at around $600-700 . It has it's share of problems that kick the value in the head. Restored..not too terrible a job, replacement grips, aftermarket magazine..long but weird barrel. It all boils down to a shooter Luger. Someone wanting this type...could be interested. Have you shot it? A good range report will help with the potential sale. If it shoots with no problems that news is worth knowing. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 l[email protected] 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

03-25-2011, 12:49 PM	#8
Hugo Borchardt User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 370 Thanks: 340 Thanked 133 Times in 47 Posts	I agree with the assessments here. If the bore is good and it is functional, I believe the bidding would approach $1000 on an auction site as shooters do like the long barrels, and it is nice looking. Add a repro stock and holster and someone will be a hit at the range. btw: That strange barrel has a proof mark on the right side and it looks like the adjustment part of the artillery site is missing?.... Clark __________________ My militaria collection is dedicated to the memory of my Grandfather, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Dave Hill, Jr., wounded in action at The Assault of the Second Marine Division on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, 20-23 November, 1943. http://www.tarawa1943.com/pages/casualties%20tarawa.htm

03-25-2011, 01:54 PM	#9
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	I think its one of those long barrel lugers you could order from the companies in the 1930's, 1950's and even into the 1960's and someone has added a rear sight to it. I think if I was selling on my table, I could get a at least $900-$1000 for it. Would want to buy for $600, but I think its a nice shooter, nice looking, nice markings mainly and the average shooter would not know the difference in this and a $2500 artillery. 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

03-25-2011, 03:29 PM	#11
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	Norm, I did not mean that in a negative way, it was meant as that most shooters could care less whether it is a true collectable piece or shooter///////// I have shot long barreled lugers without an artillery sight and they shoot better than me. Ed

03-25-2011, 03:43 PM	#12
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,603 Times in 933 Posts	Hi Ed, My point is that this gun needs a replacement Artillery sight leaf if it's to be at all useful as a shooter. I have no idea how much one of these would cost, I think you would have to figure at least a hundred bucks. Best regards, Norm

03-25-2011, 04:53 PM	#13
rdurling01 User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Actually, it does have the sight leaf. It just wasn't on the gun when the first pictures were taken. The sight elevator was broken and had to be replaced. Here is a close-up shot of the sight now. Attached Thumbnails

03-25-2011, 04:54 PM	#14
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Is there a rear sight on the toggle? dju

03-26-2011, 08:07 PM	#15
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	If it's not an authentic artillery, wouldn't it be illegal to attach a stock to it?

03-26-2011, 08:29 PM	#16
FNorm Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 978 Thanks: 68 Thanked 127 Times in 108 Posts	Clark, Aaron. I think the way the law reads, after all the lawyer talk, is that you can shoot an original artillery or original Navy with a repro stock, but not the other way around. Dunno where this piece qualifies??? FN

03-26-2011, 09:59 PM	#17
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,772 Thanks: 4,940 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	I think there could be a good argument that it IS legitimate enough as an Artillery to warrent use of a stock. Your average guy wouldn't know about the sight base. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 l[email protected] 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

03-27-2011, 06:38 PM	#18
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,347 Thanks: 7,285 Thanked 2,579 Times in 1,366 Posts	Better hang on to that sight leaf! This one ain't cheap: http://www.cmrfirearms.com/shop/prod...roducts_id=262

03-27-2011, 09:41 PM	#20
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,772 Thanks: 4,940 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	Ron, Thje sight is not found on the toggle but behind it..towards the rear of the pistol. Your photo crops out most of that area but shows some of it and I believe you are correct..it does not appear to be there? __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 l[email protected] 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."