Vanity: advice wanted from Freepers about valuing/selling German Luger/holster

[HGSW0904]

My father's father served in WWII, and brought home with him a German Luger (with holster). My father wondered how he'd go about finding its value, and I told him I'd try to see if I could get some answers here.

So...any ideas on where to take it or what to do to find the value? Or, suggestions on how to sell it?

Thanks!

[HGSW0904]

I’d much prefer he not sell it...or if he does, that he’d sell it to me. However, he’s just in the information-gathering space right now.

[bicyclerepair]

KEEP IT! Never sell a gun.

[HGSW0904]

I’m with you. I’d rather he not sell it, or (if it becomes a need-the-money issue, which may be, sell to me). He and his dad have been estranged for 40 years (his father’s decision, not his...I’ve actually not ever met my grandfather). And my father is not much of a firearm enthusiast. It’s taken me years to convince him he needs a weapon for self-protection. I would love to have it as a piece of history, but it’s not mine nor is it up to me.

He does have my great-grandfather’s shotgun, however, which I have strenuously insisted on buying should he ever wish to sell (though he’s hinted that he may hand that down to my son).

Probably more information than you needed, but there you go.

[HGSW0904]

I have no idea...great questions, though. I’ll pass them on to him — thanks.

[Osage Orange]

Might try http://auctionarms.com/ also........

[HGSW0904]

Thank you for all the links and suggestions (knew I’d get some good info). I really appreciate it and will pass it on to my dad.

I’ll also pass along the strong recommendations not to sell. I agree with them — but it’s not my decision to make. But you all give me extra backup in asking him not to do so, so — thank you!

[william clark]

You could try pawning it, but I don’t know how much you’d get. I’ve never tried to hock a Luger.

[HGSW0904]

I’ll be sure to send this generous offer along to my father. With friends like these...

[HGSW0904]

Now THAT was funny!

[LouAvul]

You need to take pictures of all proof marks, magazines, etc. Then join the following gun forums. Post the pictures and then ask them. They’ll have some of the foremost collectors to advise you.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve
http://sigforum.com/eve/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=674608412
http://glocktalk.com/forums/
http://thehighroad.org/
http://www.coltforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php
http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php
http://thefiringline.com/forums/

[william clark]

Thanks. I’ve had that one in my head for years and never had the opportunity to use it until now.

[guitarplayer1953]

My Dad use to collect guns so there are many different factors that come into play.

[sig226]

There are many potential variations with Luger pistols and some can command high sale prices. First, as was suggested, find out if all the numbers match. You’d be surprised how many serial numbered parts are in that pistol. Next, find out who made the gun, and in what year. Some makes and years a worth a lot more than others.

Of course, find out the provenance. A pistol owned by Obergruppenfuhrer Schultz is worth a lot more than one owned by Corporal Schultz.

You’ll have to visit at least two gun stores if you really want to know its value. Whatever the first one tells you, keep it to yourself. Some guys really know these weapons. Others like to pretend that they do, and can mislead the owner rather dramatically.

[HGSW0904]

Great! Thank you.

[yarddog]

As has been said make and model have a lot to do with it. Mh guess is that Mauser and DWM made more than all others together. During that time all German hand weapons were engraved with the serial number and a small part of that number on all parts even some fairl small ones. about the only ones which would not have a part of the number would be pins and other really tiny pieces.

The point of all this is the numbers have to all match and the gun be in mint or near mint condition for a collecto to be interested. Thas leaves out real historical oddities such as Hitler’s Walther PPK.

Some 30 caliber lugers were made for the Navy and also by Switzerland. I think any Swiss one which could have proof it served in WWII would be extremely valuable.

And as another person pointed out, one owned by Hermann Ghoering would be worth a lot more than private muller who guarded a hog farm.

[P8riot]

You'll be sorry if you sell it. Here is mine. A 1941 Mauser. It is a documented battlefield pick up in Dec 1944 outside of Bastogne. All numbers match on the gun, the mags, and the holster. There is a little bit of freckling on the finish, but I've been offered $2500.00 for it. No way I'd sell it for four times that.

[HGSW0904]

The story behind my dad’s Luger, as I’ve heard it, is that my grandfather took it off of a dead German soldier. I’ve never heard any mention of the soldier’s rank or location, though I suspect my grandmother’s papers will have mention of where he was (she was a great record-keeper).

[HGSW0904]

Meant to add — love the tag line.

[P8riot]

The dead German soldier story is par for the course with P.08s (Lugers). Any kind of supporting documentation will add to the value. Things like a custody form, a battlefield photograph with the gun, a letter dated during the war with details of the pistol, and even some unit identification from the dead soldier will help as well.

[P8riot]

Thanks.