[Guest]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and new to collecting. After reading posts here and seeing the pictures of what some of you have I got the bug and bought my first Luger. Finish appears to be original, some holster wear but no pits or rust. All parts match ( SN 7293 ) except the magazine ( 1679 aluminum base ). Under the safety is GESICHERT, I have no idea what that is. I believe this to be a Mauser 1940/42 as 1940 is stamped on the barrel with 42 onthe bolt. The grips appear to be the original wood. Hopefully my money was not wasted.



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[Gercolctor]

Hi

The word "GESICHERT" is German for SAFE, or SAFETY. Nice looking Luger.

Joe

 

[Guest]

Thanks Joe, I have a lot to learn about these.

 

[Ron Smith]

Frank, You've come to the right place to learn. You'll probably learn more than you need to know. Looks like you did OK. Nice looking pistol. Is there a letter beneath the Ser# on the front of the frame?

Ron

 

[Guest]

Now that you mention it there is, it is a letter L. There is also three marks on the right side. They look like an eagle with wings outspread and the number 856 below it. Theres also an eagle on the barrel.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

I said the suffix was an L, I was mistaken it looks like a B.. it's worn a little and my old eyes aren't what they used to be . sorry if I seem ignorant of this but I am LOL.

 

[Ron Smith]

Frank, No problem. My eyes ain't that great anymore either. The stamps on the right side should actually be E(eagle)/655. Standard Mauser proofs for that period. The letter ser# suffix' are alittle difficult to decifer sometimes. The Luger you have is one of 135,000+ produced. And is one of the more common of WWII Mauser Lugers. However, in good condition, retains respectable value. Congratulations! You are now officially an addict. Ron

 

[Guest]

Not sure if this adds to the value or not, but I have found no import stamps on my luger. Does that make a difference value wise ?

 

[Ron Smith]

Frank, Definitly. Import marked lugers are considered shooters. With a few rare exceptions. The average price for a shooter is $400-$500. They won't really increase in value for several years, if then. Based on condition, which a bit hard to see in your photos. Your luger is worth $800 to $1000+. And will most likely continue to increase in value, if taken care of. Do not store it in a holster or gunrug, sock,etc. Wipe it down with an oily rag after handling,especially the grip straps, and store it in a dry place that will not draw condensation.
Have a great day! Ron

 

[Guest]

Thanks again Ron, I feel better about the $ 750.00 I paid now

 

[Guest]

After getting a magnifying glass to enable me to see the markings, I found a number 881 stamped under the serial number on the barrel. Is there any significance to this number ? I've looked on the net and was unable to come across any information.

 

[RockinWR]

Frank,
The "8,81" is the barrel's actual land-to-land diameter in millimeters at the time of manufacture.
* Per John Walter,The Luger Book, footnote 4, Pg. 125, the true caliber ranged from a nominal 8,85mm plus 0.01mm/minus 0.03mm (between 8,82-8,86mm). John goes on to say this restriction was subsequently relaxed as guns have been seen marked "8,81" and "8,87"
* Yours was/is a tight barrel.

 

[Ron Smith]

Frank, $750 is a very good price. You got a really good buy, if it's all original.
Ron

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the explanation Bob... sure is a lot to learn. Ron, I've disassembled the gun and as far as I can tell it all looks to be original. I've collected other pistols and have gotten to know what to look for. I've stayed with C&R items, Ballesters, Walthers, CZ 50 & 52 and Star. This is my first Luger and I'm getting to think I would like to concentrate on them only but don't think I can afford the hobby lol. Thanks again