Assistance Please!

former173rd · 07-20-2017, 03:30 PM

Happy July folks.
I recently aquired a Luger from my In-Law, and would like to sell it for her.
Is there a correct method, policy, or particular means to:

1. ID the pistol
2. specific photos needed
3. Proper forum to request help in determining its value
4. Any other things I need to know

I hope this isn't too much to request, but not being a gun seller, I want to do this the right way, as well as not fall for any lowballers.

It is a BYF 41 - wood grips - VERY clean - SN 6000 - all numbers I can see match ( I have not disassembled it)

Any help sincerely appreciated!
John

DavidJayUden · 07-20-2017, 04:35 PM

How about posting additional photos here, and after we kick the tires a bit you can post it for sale below? Top, bottom, right, left, front numbers, barrel numbers, magazine numbers, muzzle and bore, front and rear grip straps.
Just post a few close-ups and we'll tell you what others we need in order to speak intelligently. Then you will have your info. and can sell it as an informed seller.

dju

former173rd · 07-20-2017, 04:58 PM

Great, ...I'm on it.

former173rd · 07-20-2017, 06:45 PM

Here's the best I can do with the iPhone....any more needed I can take.. According to the in law, it was a bring back. She's still looking for "some leather stuff" that supposedly came with it. She is a bonafide hoarder, so thats gonna be iffy.

Edward Tinker · 07-20-2017, 07:30 PM

the basics (which in New Collectors area explained what to show, but I think you're just here for this time

)

byf = Mauser made
41 = year made

all small parts should have the 00

value of a byf if I was buying one is $1500-$2200, depends on originality

depending on who is buying - mag doesn't match and thats not a deal killer at all
wood grips, which is likely correct, but some folks want to see the bakelite ones

extra magazine or holster would make a few hundred more dollars

DavidJayUden · 07-20-2017, 08:28 PM

A very nice Luger!
I'd add that it appears to have bluing that is better than most, no wear that I can see. I'm not seeing the grip straps but I'll bet they are pretty well untouched too. To me $2000 seems like a reasonable starting point.
dju

wlyon · 07-20-2017, 09:38 PM

I agree with David, assuming that all inside numbers match. Is there a number inside the sideplate? Bill

former173rd · 07-21-2017, 12:19 AM

Can I see the number without disassembling it?

wlyon · 07-21-2017, 12:24 AM

No. It will be on the backside of the sideplate. Bill

DavidJayUden · 07-21-2017, 12:39 AM

If you are unsure of how to disassemble it you can go to YouTube or just simply don't do it. I'd hate to see anything get bent or broken...
dju

4 Scale · 07-21-2017, 12:41 AM

It appears you have a very nice Luger, but to learn key data re: value you should disassemble it and verify that all the numbered parts match.

Disassembly is not difficult, many YouTube videos show how. Numbered parts list is in the FAQ of this forum.

former173rd · 07-21-2017, 12:42 AM

I was afraid of that. Guess if it becomes a deal breaker, I'll get a gunsmith to open it up...my limits are with the 1911!

sooo, should I move this over to the Selling forum with the limited info I have, or, is more research in order (maybe trace its "roots"), or leave it up to the new owner? opinion....

former173rd · 07-21-2017, 12:44 AM

I could probably figure out how to break it down, but.....one slip of the screwdriver.....just can't do it.

4 Scale · 07-21-2017, 01:15 AM

It is possible to completely field strip by hand with no tools, as this videos demonstrates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIs2AVRaZzo

I suggest at least try it. Lugers are tough and IMO can't be damaged via hand field strip. Knowing if the parts are all properly numbered is important.

former173rd · 07-21-2017, 01:42 AM

I'll check out the video and see if I can work up the balls......

Ron Wood · 07-21-2017, 02:14 AM

I hope you do. I do not deal in WWII Lugers at all but from what I can tell you have an outstanding example. Review the video and carefully field strip the piece so that you can assure the folks it is as good as it appears. Then offer it for sale at a reasonable, but not cheap, price. Good luck.
Ron

tharpo · 07-21-2017, 07:44 AM

What is the letter suffix on the frame in front of the trigger guard? Please post a picture of it if you can.

Eugen · 07-21-2017, 07:47 AM

OP, you just got some great advice from the lugermeisters. You have a very nice Luger that should easily sell if you price it within the range advised above.

If I were you I'd keep it!

Puretexan · 07-21-2017, 10:08 AM

Yep give your inlaw a couple grand, a big hug and a kiss, and you will be on your
way to a nice luger collection.

DonVoigt · 07-21-2017, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by former173rd

I was afraid of that. Guess if it becomes a deal breaker, I'll get a gunsmith to open it up...my limits are with the 1911!

sooo, should I move this over to the Selling forum with the limited info I have, or, is more research in order (maybe trace its "roots"), or leave it up to the new owner? opinion....

If you can field strip a 1911, you can surely do a luger.
It is quite a bit simpler.

07-20-2017, 03:30 PM	#1
former173rd User Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 27 Thanks: 15 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	Assistance Please! Happy July folks. I recently aquired a Luger from my In-Law, and would like to sell it for her. Is there a correct method, policy, or particular means to: 1. ID the pistol 2. specific photos needed 3. Proper forum to request help in determining its value 4. Any other things I need to know I hope this isn't too much to request, but not being a gun seller, I want to do this the right way, as well as not fall for any lowballers. It is a BYF 41 - wood grips - VERY clean - SN 6000 - all numbers I can see match ( I have not disassembled it) Any help sincerely appreciated! John Attached Thumbnails

07-20-2017, 06:45 PM	#4
former173rd User Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 27 Thanks: 15 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	Luger info... Here's the best I can do with the iPhone....any more needed I can take.. According to the in law, it was a bring back. She's still looking for "some leather stuff" that supposedly came with it. She is a bonafide hoarder, so thats gonna be iffy. Attached Thumbnails

07-20-2017, 07:30 PM	#5
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	the basics (which in New Collectors area explained what to show, but I think you're just here for this time ) byf = Mauser made 41 = year made all small parts should have the 00 value of a byf if I was buying one is $1500-$2200, depends on originality depending on who is buying - mag doesn't match and thats not a deal killer at all wood grips, which is likely correct, but some folks want to see the bakelite ones extra magazine or holster would make a few hundred more dollars __________________ 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 Last edited by Edward Tinker; 07-20-2017 at 08:39 PM.

07-20-2017, 09:38 PM	#7
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,636 Thanks: 3,174 Thanked 2,559 Times in 955 Posts	I agree with David, assuming that all inside numbers match. Is there a number inside the sideplate? Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

07-21-2017, 12:24 AM	#9
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,636 Thanks: 3,174 Thanked 2,559 Times in 955 Posts	No. It will be on the backside of the sideplate. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

07-20-2017, 04:35 PM	#2
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	How about posting additional photos here, and after we kick the tires a bit you can post it for sale below? Top, bottom, right, left, front numbers, barrel numbers, magazine numbers, muzzle and bore, front and rear grip straps. Just post a few close-ups and we'll tell you what others we need in order to speak intelligently. Then you will have your info. and can sell it as an informed seller. dju

07-20-2017, 04:58 PM	#3
former173rd User Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 27 Thanks: 15 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	Great, ...I'm on it.

07-20-2017, 08:28 PM	#6
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	A very nice Luger! I'd add that it appears to have bluing that is better than most, no wear that I can see. I'm not seeing the grip straps but I'll bet they are pretty well untouched too. To me $2000 seems like a reasonable starting point. dju

07-21-2017, 12:19 AM	#8
former173rd User Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 27 Thanks: 15 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	Can I see the number without disassembling it?

07-21-2017, 12:39 AM	#10
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	If you are unsure of how to disassemble it you can go to YouTube or just simply don't do it. I'd hate to see anything get bent or broken... dju

07-21-2017, 12:41 AM	#11
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 489 Times in 251 Posts	It appears you have a very nice Luger, but to learn key data re: value you should disassemble it and verify that all the numbered parts match. Disassembly is not difficult, many YouTube videos show how. Numbered parts list is in the FAQ of this forum.

07-21-2017, 12:42 AM	#12
former173rd User Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 27 Thanks: 15 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	I was afraid of that. Guess if it becomes a deal breaker, I'll get a gunsmith to open it up...my limits are with the 1911! sooo, should I move this over to the Selling forum with the limited info I have, or, is more research in order (maybe trace its "roots"), or leave it up to the new owner? opinion....

07-21-2017, 12:44 AM	#13
former173rd User Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 27 Thanks: 15 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	I could probably figure out how to break it down, but.....one slip of the screwdriver.....just can't do it.

07-21-2017, 01:15 AM	#14
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 489 Times in 251 Posts	It is possible to completely field strip by hand with no tools, as this videos demonstrates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIs2AVRaZzo I suggest at least try it. Lugers are tough and IMO can't be damaged via hand field strip. Knowing if the parts are all properly numbered is important.

07-21-2017, 01:42 AM	#15
former173rd User Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 27 Thanks: 15 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	I'll check out the video and see if I can work up the balls......

07-21-2017, 02:14 AM	#16
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,022 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,178 Times in 1,703 Posts	I hope you do. I do not deal in WWII Lugers at all but from what I can tell you have an outstanding example. Review the video and carefully field strip the piece so that you can assure the folks it is as good as it appears. Then offer it for sale at a reasonable, but not cheap, price. Good luck. Ron __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

07-21-2017, 07:44 AM	#17
tharpo Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Coast, USA Posts: 543 Thanks: 116 Thanked 382 Times in 157 Posts	What is the letter suffix on the frame in front of the trigger guard? Please post a picture of it if you can.

07-21-2017, 07:47 AM	#18
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 790 Thanks: 394 Thanked 631 Times in 334 Posts	OP, you just got some great advice from the lugermeisters. You have a very nice Luger that should easily sell if you price it within the range advised above. If I were you I'd keep it! __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

07-21-2017, 10:08 AM	#19
Puretexan User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Pearland Texas Posts: 176 Thanks: 11 Thanked 70 Times in 36 Posts	Yep give your inlaw a couple grand, a big hug and a kiss, and you will be on your way to a nice luger collection.