S/42 Luger value

[XxWINxX94]

Hey all,
I'm now very familiar with the Luger, but not with the prices.
In my area, they are big bucks for a matching, original ($2000+ average at todays gun show).

So a few months ago, I traded a mis-matched (barrel different S/N) Mauser model 66 rifle for a refinished S/42 Luger with replacement grips. But all the numbers match! EDIT: Mag also matches!

Gun shoots great and functions perfect, its just refinished and doesn't have the right grips (I did not know this when I bought it, but now I do).

I did this really quickly without looking at the gun very well and in poor lighting :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

So I think I got ripped off, but the other guy did too, as the gun I traded him was mis-matched also.

So here are my questions:

1) What is the value of a refinished 1940 S/42 Luger with replacement grips in good condition? (Picture Below)

2) Would it be to my advantage to order some Original Luger grips and put those on there to increase value if I were to sell it?

Its the one on the left

 

[XxWINxX94]

bump, anyone out there......?

 

[huntershooter]

It's been refinished; any "collector" value is gone. Irretrievably.
Original grips won't undo the reblue.
Enjoy it as a shooter.

 

[jonnyc]

As is, if truly matching, it's still a $700-900 gun.

 

[shootingthebreeze]

XX, Lugers ARE expensive, especially if the bore and weapon status are excellent. Check out simpsonltd.com this outfit sells top quality Lugers and they can be pricey. I would call simpsonltd and ask them your question.
Again, an expert would have to assess your Luger. I think that Lugers are just outstanding; I fired a friend's artillery Luger this summer, fires great and accurate.

To me bore condition would be a critical factor if I was planning on firing one. Such weapons run from $2000 UP TO $3500 and higher.

 

[rklessdriver]

Lugers are VERY popular in the US. They just have that "pop culture status" that keeps the value high.

It's just about impossible in todays market to find ANY Luger for sale at less than $700... Occasionally you do but it's not very often and the ones that are offered for less are real dogs.

As long as your S/42 has not been buffed to death and the markings are still good - I would think it will still bring $700-$1000.

I don't think CORRECT grips (remember it's only ORINAL once!) would increase the sale value at all and unless you can get them cheaply enough (unlikely) just stay with the modern mfg repros (like SARCO sells) if you want it to look correct.
Will

 

[Jim Watson]

Looks pretty good to me, probably reblued by simply dropping it in the tank without buffing it up to a nice BubbaShine. And they left the strawed parts alone.
Grips have enough wear to look ok.

I would not mess with it; you can't return it to original but it is a good example of the type and a Luger that shoots reliably with current production ammo is a real treat.

It is worth precisely as much as a mismatched Mauser 66. So quit agonizing over dollar numbers and enjoy it. It will be worth more in another 70 years.

 

[Mp7]

Sigh.....

i have an old man close-by who has his Father´s S/42 "Mauser Tonne"
all matching, with the original holster, even with the original ammo
in the mag, and a box of spare ammo.

As it has not been registered after the war, there is no way to
register it here now. It would have to be smuggled to like Belgium
to get papers for it ...

It´s immaculate. And has a history on the eastern front.
The owner told me his father had given many a "mercy-shot"
with it on the flight from the red army.

That would be a 2.000$ gun, eh?

 

[XxWINxX94]

Thanks everyone, I will probably just keep it as a shooter until the prices go up, then maybe sell it. I'm sure theres someone out there looking for a 'shooter'.

i have an old man close-by who has his Father´s S/42 "Mauser Tonne"
all matching, with the original holster, even with the original ammo
in the mag, and a box of spare ammo.

As it has not been registered after the war, there is no way to
register it here now. It would have to be smuggled to like Belgium
to get papers for it.

It´s immaculate. And has a history on the eastern front.
The owner told me his father had given many a "mercy-shot"
with it on the flight from the red army.

That would be a 2.000$ gun, eh?

Ouch! Thats quite unfortunate........
And yes, I would say at least 2gs for something like that!

 

[XxWINxX94]

shootingthebreeze,
Thanks for the link! This place has alot of Lugers!

I found this one: http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_i...18233&osCsid=11cd88751fbce1c540cc8f8eb7e233a1

They want $995 for it, and the toggle doesn't match, and its refinished, incorrect mag also.
Its most similar to mine, and nearly $1000, hoping I might be able to get at least that out of mine, if I decide to sell.