Edward ----- I just read your posting above concerning the "135" right side proof on luger pistols. I have a black widow byf 42 luger with the 135 proof stamps. This luger is all matching except for the aluminum bottom mag. and is in approx. 97% overall condition. It rests in a very good original "eqr 42" black hard shell leather holster. There is a loading / stripping tool in the inside flap of the holster with a small proof stamp just below the hole in the tool. The luger's serial number's suffix block is "k" . Would my luger fall into the category of "somewhat rare to be sure"?
"Black Widow" bubble...?
For the longer-term collectors (I'm < 1 year), have you seen this type of "MUST BUY NOW!" mania for Lugers, say for so-called Black Widow (BW) Lugers; that is, a byf 41 or 42 with black bakelite grips (either original or added later)? If so, when (approximately), and did it burst sharply, or at least cool off with prices dropping at some point?
Alternatively, in the past few decades has there been a (semi) frenzy for a particular type of Luger that went from in-demand to full-on nuts, or is the current BW mania atypical? If yes, what happened in the long-run in terms of collectability and pricing for the MUST-HAVE Lugers?
Just trying to get some perspective... Thanks and cheers. Batty67/Mark G
Alternatively, in the past few decades has there been a (semi) frenzy for a particular type of Luger that went from in-demand to full-on nuts, or is the current BW mania atypical? If yes, what happened in the long-run in terms of collectability and pricing for the MUST-HAVE Lugers?
Just trying to get some perspective... Thanks and cheers. Batty67/Mark G
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As I mentioned above, I have a 41 byf luger in 98% over all original finish with black Bakelite grips and FXO (un-numbered) Aluminum mag. in an original 1941 dated holster and a proof stamped loading tool in the flap pocket, I wouldn't take $10k for this set up. What a crazy world we find ourselves locked into.
Like_ ------- What is a "major macroeconomic impact" ? Could the likely be an impact from a North Korean nuclear rocket ??
It has been my feeling for at least 4 or 5 years that our nation and the whole world for that matter is rapidly approaching a major crash of some sort. That crash will of course include currency (of each and every color) but more than that it will include food, water and medicine. The crash is totally un-avoidable and no place on earth will be exempt from it. Paper currency could become completely worthless. My wife and I decided 40 years ago to buy up as much pre '64 "junk silver" (dimes, quarters, half dollars & silver dollars) as we could afford and stash them away. Keep in mind if you plan to buy some needed materials with the silver, use only the smallest change you have available because you won't get change back. Twenty two (.22) ammo I'm sure will be a wonderful medium of exchange, much better than centerfire ammo. So if you have similar thoughts as I have about the direction the world is headed pick up as much junk silver and as much .22 LR ammo as you are able.
english / Jason ------- Keep on thinking POSITIVE. Almost 45 years ago I was thinking positive. That convinced me to look for a buy the 160 acre hide-away in the mountians of Montana I call home today. I wish our country could go back to the more pleasant times we lived in back in the 50's & 60's but that will never happen. So I have attempted to recreate a small piece of those times again out here away from the mad house I see developing around the world today. Here I'm still able to think POSITIVE for a little longer, at least during the remaining years I have left on this earth.
Vlim ------ You sure are right. I just can't imagine how a little bit of cheap plastic that was initially intended to cut the cost of and speed production of a weapon that wasn't used much, can result in that weapon be valued at least two times the value of the same weapon with the wooden pieces. I have two so called "black widows" and don't consider them any more valuable than the other 14 lugers in my accumulation with wood pieces. I also find it had to believe just the value of these plastic pieces by themselves could be worth $500. Cripes man that more than I paid for both of my so called "black widows" combined.
The "black widow" & "brown recluse" lugers really do exist and I have some in my hide out safe, where they have slept for more than 40 years. The holsters they sleep in are all original and date stamped on the back side 41 & 42, one holster contains a luger tool with the eagle acceptance stamp. While all this has slept in the safe it has increased in paper value more than 100 times what I gave for them 40+ years ago. A "G" date all matching luger sleeps in a commercial holster stamped on the back with the luger's serial number. I paid $700 for that set about 30 years ago.
Jim ----- Thanks for reading my post and your comment. That's right, I have had no trouble with mildew, rust or any other maladies on any weapons I've left in their holsters. I'm fortunate to be living in and environment that does not contribute to such problems. I do check my pieces and their holsters a few times a year just to make sure there are no apparent problems and I wipe each holstered piece down using a very lightly oiled cleaning patch. This has maintained these pieces in the same conditions that I purchased them during the 70's, 80's and 90's and some more recently. Thanks again for your comments.
Greg, Herr ------ Thanks for the good advise concerning guns stored in their holsters. I've never wrapped my pieces stored in holsters with any wrapping and I've never noticed any kind of deterioration during the many years they have been in my safe. That is not to say with so called "climate change" that is so popular these days, deterioration couldn't happen sometime. As I mentioned I keep them well oiled with a light film and inspect them at least twice a year and sometimes more often if there is high humidity in the air. I enjoy taking them out of the safe and fondling each one as I apply the oil film. Thanks for the good advise.
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