[Ron Smith]

Would there be any reason a P.37 Femaru with the leather and canvas holster to be worth $1000? The pistol is approx. 95% WaA 60 ,jhv 41 the matching holster slightly frayed at the toe. I did'nt think they were that rare.

Ron

 

[Orv Reichert]

I agree with you........Orv

Orvel L. Reichert
P O Box 67
Vader WA 98593
360 245 3492 tel
360 245 3702 fax
360 520 6520 cel
[email protected]

Quote....."I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress." -----Ronald Reagan

 

[aaron]

That's a pretty high price for a Femaru, but let me say this: A really minty example with two matching mags and an excellent holster coul be worth around $850 It sounds as if this one is probably worth near $600.

 

[Ron Smith]

Orv and Aaron, You just confirmed what I was thinking. Thanks! Ron

 

[Webleyman]

For some reason, prices on Femarus seem to be elevating. For just one example I've seen lately, on a Gunbroker auction that ended 5/2/04 a first contract (high polish, jhv41) P.37(u) Femaru, SN 36100 with matching magazine (looked to be 98% or better from photos) with NO holster or second magazine went for $880.00. And on an AuctionArms auction that ended 5/31/04, a very nice, crisp first model (canvas and leather) P.37(u) Luftwaffe holster went for $191.00.

I don't know where all the forum participants who keep talking about less expensive WWII handguns, rifles, accoutrements, etc. find them, because I sure can't!! Any suggestions???

 

[Mark]

Webleyman,

I just picked up a minty 2nd Air Force contract 1936 marked Beretta 1935 for $300.00. I scan GunsAmerica and Gun Lists the day the new listings come out and call first thing. If you wait you will miss out on the good deals. I saw a FP45 (Liberator Pistol) on Gun List for $1,500.00 several months back and waited a day to call, the gun was gone. I delayed because I already have one and was debating having another.

I'll post pictures of the Beretta when I have a chance.

Mark

 

[Lloyd in Vegas]

Webleyman,

I think Mark's advice is very good. I have scored several excellent deals doing what he suggests.

Another idea, join NAPCA. I found a older member who was selling his highgrade collection and I have bought 10 pistol rigs from him over the last four months-(I believe I have saved several thousand dollars over the current market and for better condition rigs for a $45 membership fee let alone the great newsletter!). This was like a once in a life time opportunity so I mortgaged the house (so to speak) to take advantage of this. These were all a result of networking and getting a tip from another NAPCA member about this collector selling off his 45 year accumulated collection--all exceptionally high grade stuff (this was only disclosed through NAPCA member channels no other advertising).

Example, I purchased a Femaru M37 jhv/43 (E/WaA173 acceptance stamped) all matching including matching mags and in almost brand new condition (from this older gentleman). It also included an excellent condition drop type hoslter E/7 marked (Luftwaffe) all this for $575.

 

[Webleyman]

Thanks for your suggestions. However, I have been religiously checking the new listings on GunsAmerica (plus Gunbroker and AuctionArms) almost every evening for several months. I have subscribed to Gun List (first class delivery) and Shotgun News for many years. (For a collector, the latter now seems worthless; the former is getting that way.) I joined NAPCA four or five months ago and plan to attend their meeting in Chattanooga (just 80 miles down the road) in late August. (The gun show circuit is also nonproductive for me, for most Tennessee shows are of the flea market variety - with real nice WWII items almost nonexistent - and I keep hearing that prices at the big shows, such as Louisville, are outta sight.) So to date, my only recourse has been to just belly up to the bar and pay the inflated price, if I want a really decent item. Guess that (as we say here in the Bible Belt) "I've just not been livin' right."

P.S. Mark, if you'd like to turn a nice, quick profit on that minty 1936-dated M1935 Beretta with Regia Aeronautica marking, send me a private message.

 

[Edward Tinker]

Webleyman, I think a lot of it is impatient life we all have. I want everything now, and seeing everyone elses new guns, makes me impatient.

I have gotten one really good deal, the rest were reasonable deals, and I have looked for a while too. I beleive it simply comes down to that things take a long time for those deals, but since we see deals on the web from other collectors, it gives us the feeling that deals are out there all the time...

Ed

 

[Webleyman]

Yeah, I know, Ed. That's what I keep telling myself. Then I remember that, at 66, I don't have too many years left to "fill in the gaps," and then I see (and drool over) these jewels that Huggiebear, Pancho, Lloyd in Vegas, and others have found, and then....then, remembering my upbringing in the Bible Belt, I begin telling myself, "Thou Shalt Not Covet. Thou Shalt Not Covet...."

 

[Guest]

I haven't been at it as long as you guys but my "best" deals seem to come when I check out local auctions or antique/junk dealers that are primarily focused on other things and may have a few used guns on the side. Last fall I got a jhv 43 (%98) with a 41 holster, 2 mags but only one matches and paid $595. I thought I overpaid but its a nice rig so no regrets. The local gun auctions draw collectors and dealers but if its all furniture and dishes with 2 or 3 guns or an estate auction with a gun or two the prices are much better.