Questions about 1938 s/42 Pistol

[Redcoat3340]

I've have this 1938 S/42 I bought from Simpsons a few years ago when I "had" to have a Luger. I shot it some when I first got it, but since then it's been sitting in the safe.

I'm thinking of selling it for something I'll shoot more, maybe a Walther P88 or P5compact; a pre-war Smith .357 or 1917 45acp.

But I just wanna check here that there's nothing hinkey about it if I offer it up. All the numbers match; looks in pretty good shape; bore is just fine; grips are not original (I believe they are Swiss) and neither is the period mag (plus I bought 2 new ones).

If figure it's good for ??? $1400? $1600? More??? (Someone on the Smith & Wesson board said they just sold their '38 S/42 for $2,400ish, is that possible? (Yeah, I know, it's worth whatever someone will pay and maybe he just got lucky.)

Here are some pics. I know folks here don't usually "value" guns, but I'm wondering if I'm in the right ballpark, pricewise. (If I sell, I'll be offering it here first, then locally.) I don't want to lowball, but asking too much than it's really worth is a wasted effort as well. I just want a fair price (which is all I ask for when I buy, unless I can get a bargain!)

[mrerick]

With the incorrect grips, it should be priced as a shooter.

With the correct grips, but mismatched, it's less of a defect, but should be disclosed.

There is something odd and inconsistent about the barrel finish, which changes abruptly just at the breech end.

Hard to judge the finish in the lighting of your photos.

So, higher end shooter. Perhaps $1200 if all matching and otherwise correct.

[Doubs]

I agree with the $1200 assessment.