Jumping Down The Rabbit Hole and In Search of Good Imperial Lugers

[eblinga]

Hello to all from frigid Minnesota! I'm a younger guy (28) just about to get into Luger collecting. Over the past two years, I've read as much as I could and researched various Luger models and origins of manufacture and have set my sights on Imperial German Army weapons, DWM Lugers to be certain. I'm very into WW1 as a whole after doing research on my great grandfather serving in France in an Engineering battalion in 1918, thus my preference with that era. I've collected a lot of things over the years, various types of guns included, but nothing has required this level of restaint and research - leading to a very gratifying and sometimes frustrating search.

I've been on the Simpson site and a couple of others, and I'm resigned to procuring a gun for collecting/investment/personal enjoyment purposes that is a higher grade condition with matching components. The goal is to buy a gun or rig from a reputible source where I can have some a somewhat reasonable hope for a gun that hasn't been refinished.

My inquiry and introduction boils down to this: are there certain sources or folks that I could contact to find a higher grade matching military gun from the time period that I could count on? I know I'm asking a broad question, and I appreciate any insight that you guys may be able to uncover. My thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Andy in MN

[Norme]

Hi Andy, Welcome to the forum and to Luger collecting. Legacy Collectibles, Pre98, Checkpoint Charlie and of course, Simpson Ltd are all well thought of. Stay away from Phoenix Investment Arms. Regards, Norm

[DavidJayUden]

I'd suggest that you first identify which make, model and year turns your crank, then place a Wanted ad on this forum. Heck, it's free...
dju

[spartacus38]

Hi Andy,
My suggestion would be to start off with a 98% or better DWM 4 inch Imperial Army Luger.

Then you might consider adding a DWM Artillery on down the line.

Good luck,

Bob

[spartacus38]

Andy,
I forgot to mention Jan Still's Central Powers book,a must have.
Bob

[wlyon]

Andy Welcome to the Forum. I still believe that 98% or better Imperial lugers are very very scarce. In 45 years of collecting I have seen very few. And probably some of them were refinished. At least what I consider 98%. Pretty difficult for a 100 year old gun,used in war, to be in that shape unless helped. Personally I prefer a little wear on mine. To many people messing with them. I do know for a fact there are more 98% lugers now than 45 years ago. I wonder why? Bill

[spartacus38]

Hi Bill,
I agree that 98% Imperial Lugers are are difficult to find.I just sold a duplicate 1917 DWM in
99% original condition with one matching mag.The buyer was very pleased.
Andy has been patient for two years and can wait a little longer.I waited 10 years to buy my first
1914 DWM Artillery in 98% and about the same for my first 1914 Erfurt Artillery in 98%.
Bob

[eblinga]

Norme, Bob, David, Bill - Thank you all for your insight and viewpoints. Your replies are very much appreciated!! I take the suggestion to heart about 98%+ condition guns as I also would enjoy a specimen with some minor wear. Matching components and originality walk hand in hand with an acceptable level of wear on finishes for me. My ultimate desire is a DWM or Erfurt 4" barrel gun with unit markings on it. That ups the price I'm sure as well as the rarity. I may put a want ad up and see what happens. I very much appreciate and take into account your opinions gents. Thanks very much!

Andy in MN

[Lyn Islaub]

Andy,
I have a friend that is selling a very clean 1916 DWM Luger with a 1915 holster, extra magazine and Imperial tool included. I can e-mail you pictures if you are interested. I believe that he was asking $1600, for the rig and will verify that tonight. You can PM me and I will send you my e-mail address.
Lyn

[George Anderson]

Andy, I have thirty Imperial P08s in my collection almost all are unit marked and have correct holsters. I plan on starting to thin the collection in February at the SOS in Louisville. If you want to shoot me an email I will let you know what I am planning to sell. It would be very gratifying to see them going to enthusiastic young collectors. My email is [email protected].

[woodstock]

What's the SOS in Louisville?

Originally Posted by George Anderson

Andy, I have thirty Imperial P08s in my collection almost all are unit marked and have correct holsters. I plan on starting to thin the collection in February at the SOS in Louisville. If you want to shoot me an email I will let you know what I am planning to sell. It would be very gratifying to see them going to enthusiastic young collectors. My email is [email protected].

[eblinga]

I beleive it's the "Show of Shows" - search for it in your favorite internet browser and it should come up.

[Aaron]

I commend you for your Luger studies and research. However, the best asset a novice collector can have is a mentor, a Luger expert to take him by the hand and help supervise at least his initial aquisitions. I wouldn't be surprised if one of our experienced forum members lives up in your area and would be willing to offer guidance and advice. Where in MN are you?

[spartacus38]

Aaron,
Excellent advice.
Bob

[eblinga]

Aaron, I'm about 40 miles south of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St Paul). I have heard about gentleman in tmy area who collect, though haven't found too many that are willing to talk much past what's on their table at the local gun shows. Thanks for the advice!

[Aaron]

I certainly hope someone in your area will contact you and offer his help. I have a number of affluent and some blue collar collectors who invest heavily in firearms but consult me for my imput before most purchases. I am happy to do this and find it very spiritually rewarding. Good luck in locating an advisor in the near future.

[zman123]

I have a 1913 DWM Luger I would possibly be willing to part with to the right person. See my thread in General discussion section (1913 DWM Luger) for pictures and shoot me a PM for my email.

[cirelaw]

I bought my first regiment marked 1917 DWM full artillery from George Anderson earlier this year. He worked with me for payments. You can't go wrong!

[thor179]

I am a little confused as how to ask a question on this site. My Grandfather was a merchant marine (US) in the 1920's. The past is a bit shaky as some of the Family was from Austria prior to WW1. His Luger is now in the hands of my parents with the intent to hand it down to me. Funny thing is he Spoke German and was fluent in it but had No accent when he spoke English having spent most of his life (if not all) in England and the US. He actually spent 1 year in prison in London as a suspect for the Lusitania sinking! Anyway the Luger has the DWM marking as well as a small crown with a N under it on the barrel with a 747 under that with a mark that looks like a 7 jammed next to a backwards S. Not sure it is a 9mm or a 7.65 mm, the piece has the original wooden tabbed clip and seems in really great shape. My dad fired it for a clip or 2 and it is in perfect firing condition. Any help getting the age of it would be appreciated. I am trying to get and estimate of value for insurance purposes as i am not planning on selling it. I am assuming it is a commercial and that the 7S is a letter P.