Purchased a 1915 DWM Luger all match numbers for $450.

[Retro]

So I was browsing at the gunshow today, I bought a 1915 DWM luger with all matched parts with no bluing left and a decent barrel for $450.

It is my first luger, and I noticed that it takes a lot of effort to cock this pistol... is that a common feature of Lugers?

I have examined all internal parts, and they are all in great shape... the only problem is that 90% of the external rust blueing is gone.

The serial number is "a 9355", a DWM luger 1915.

Any thoughts?

 

[Jim Watson]

Sounds like a good deal these days.

Yes, it takes a good haul back to break the toggle.
One of our guys was shooting a P 08 at IDPA the other day. He had his ammo loaded right and the gun shot flawlessly and accurately, but the reload was kind of a challenge.

An all matching DWM with "10% original finish in protected areas" is probably best left alone, the collectors would cry if you had it refinished, even a proper restoration in rust blue.

 

[Retro]

Yes, Jim, should I even attempt to fire this pistol? I want this as a personal collection, to pass down to my grandsons someday...

Since this gun was made in 1915, I was told it was passed down from some GI's grandfather who was in WWI, and I think this might have been a WWI enemy capture pistol... and probably have shot several people in the trench warfare... holding this piece is like holding a piece of history.

I checked all parts, even the firing pin, all numbers match, barrels, toggle, safety, everything except for the magazine, even the grips has matching numbers. Some pitting of the barrel toward the muzzle but this gun is almost 100 years old.

I was told that if I refinish it with rust blue, it will worth over 1000 dollars... true?

 

[Dr.Rob]

http://www.lugerforum.com/

Are the experts. Good Lugers are hard to find and you may indeed have a bargain. You should ask there before sending a piece to the refinisher.