German Mauser

Question
QUESTION: Doug, I have a German Mauser Luger 9mm, I am curious to know the value of it, and how to rate it on a scale of 100. I know that it was made in 1939, I have with it two numbers matching magazines. How do I find out if this is a Navy weapon. It have an N etches above the trigger guard and also on the two magazines. The pistol has S/42 etched above the chamber and the serial number is 9389. It is in good overall condition. So my questions are, How do I tell if this is a Navy weapon, and also what is this valued at and where wiould I possibly be able to sell it
Thank You,
Cpl. C.A. Sims
USMC

ANSWER: Corey,

Thanks for your question.  Let's get the details out first and then talk about the grading at the end.  The S/42 on the toggle confirms that it was manufactured during the period 1936 to 1940.  This is the most frequently encountered version on this particular pistol.  Does the gun actually show a date on the chamber?  If so, it could affect the valuation.  The last regular production of the S/42 was in April 1939.  Could you check to see if there is a letter on top of the gun just behind where the barrel extends from the frame.

In terms of the Navy markings, there would be an eagle atop an 'M".  Some Navy pistols also had an Eagle atop a swastika.  This would be engraved on the side of the gun below the toggle showing the S/42.  You might also see the 'eagle over M' on the front strap of the grip with an "N" and a number below the "N".  If you see this, it indicates that is was issued from a North Sea naval unit.  The "N" indicates North Sea with the number below it referencing the unit number.

Check the front strap grip.  Note any markings there.  If there is a series of numbers and letters like 11.D.1.25, let me know.  They are identification marks that reference the unit from which the gun was issued.

If you can give me any more details as noted above, I can try and give you a better idea of the value.  Literally it could vary from $350 to several thousand dollars depending on what you have.  You should understand a couple of things though.  First, there is a small cottage industry in 'reworking' Lugers to have matching serial numbers and 'desirable' identifying marks.  This is due to the high prices associated with some of the more collectable specimens.  In terms of the Lugers that were allocated to the Navy, something less than 10% of the total production found its way to the Navy.

There are also a lot of guns out there that have been re-blued.  Look for any scratches, pitting or corrosion that have been blue to see if that is the case on your pistol.  Normal wear should show on areas that would have contact with a holster.  Look for slight wearing of the finish around the muzzle, on the front sight or edges of the pistol.  Check the inside of the bore.  If it is clean and shiny with clearly defined grooves and no corrosion, that is good.  The more the bore is worn or corroded, the lower the value.

Honestly, grading a specimen like this is nearly impossible without seeing it or at least seeing pictures of it.  Very few of these will be in 'new' condition so most of the grading is done based on 'condition relative to age'.  

Characteristics of a gun in excellent condition would include matching serial numbers throughout, original bluing in good condition with some holster wear, no major scratches, no corrosion, clean bore with grooves in good condition, minor wear on the grips with any checkering in good condition (not worn).  The key is that in all aspects the condition of the gun is consistent.  If portions of the gun appear to be in newer condition than others, there is a good likelihood it has been 'reworked'.

In terms of valuation, if you have a genuine article that has not be reworked, here are the range of values.  These values are taken from the latest edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values.  

S/42 with dated chamber:  

98% $2,575
95% $2,100
90% $1,650
80% $1,250
70% $1,100
60% $   900

If the gun has Navy markings, add 100% to the values above.  If there are two serial number matching magazines, add another 75% to the values above.

In terms of where to sell it, I would recommend that you deal with a reputable auction house that specializes in antique firearms.  You could also check the Luger firearms forum at www.lugerforum.com.  You might also take a look at www.collectorsfirearms.com or www.simpsonltd.com

Hope this helps you out...

Regards,

Doug





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: As far as the holster goes it it marked with S.PBn. 1364. There is some pitting on the pistol, a bit on the side and some near the muzzle as well. Near the chamber it is stamped 1939. Near the trigger guard below the serial number is an N. On the right side there are three small markings on it. Two appear to be small eagles with numbers under them, and the other looks to be an upside down crown. All the numbers match from all the parts, magazines, and the hand grips. If you would like I could email some pictures of it to get you a better idea.

Answer
Corey,

From the description you provided, it sounds like the small markings on the right side are 'proof marks'.  These are essentially government acceptance marks.  The eagle and crown are typical of this type of mark.

Also, in terms of the 'N' near the serial number, it could just be part of the serial number.  The serial number process they used was a number followed by a letter so that someone could not determine exactly how many guns were being made.

If you want to send pictures, you can email them to [email protected]

I'll give you an opinion of the condition when I see the extent of the pitting and what wear is on the gun.

Please understand that I am NOT an expert on these types of pistols and will be giving you an informed but strictly 'amateur' opinion.  I'll reiterate that you should really get the opinion of a real Luger collector at one of the forums I suggested.

Hope this helps...

Doug