The Luger (also known as the P-08) came out in 1908 which was long before the Nazi party, so no, they are not all Nazi marked.
That is true. I had forgotten about the civilian versions before the German Army adopted them. I believe it was actiually patented in the late 1890's and first produced around 1900.
I think the Swiss adopted it in 1900 and the German Navy in 1904.
I agree, but he ain't given up much info.
Ouch. I collect Walthers mainly. I just started really collecting them not so long ago, so you know what they say about a little knowledge?
Collecting Lugers is probably the single biggest risk you can take in buying guns. They are all expensive. Even mistmatched "shooters" start at about $700. Most models are $1500-4000. Even the holsters can be worth up to $800 by themselves. The "take down tools" are expensive. Additionally, because they are so valuable, there is a ton of fraud. People "mock up"guns. I even had a guy tell me that some industrious crooks are stamping out magazine numbers to enhance the values on antique presses.
There are lots of variations, but generally Lugers can be divided into the following catagories:
Pre WW I
WW I
Weimar
Nazi/WW II
The most valuable are certain pre-War and certain Nazi marked ones.
Condition is everything. The better the finish and bore, the more valuable the pistol. Matching serial numbers are a must, except most magazines won't be numbered to the guns (when you do find this they command a premium). Good condition holsters and take down tools improve value.
Later I will add some links. Tired now.
