[Slimshady]

Unless it was never fired when he captured it and wasn't since, a small amount of ammo followed by a thorough cleaning would not diminish the value much, if at all. Just be aware that every time it cycles, blue wear and such will make it look more "used" and that will diminish the finish % and value.

[45Man]

You might start here: http://www.lugerforum.com/

[Blue]

Originally Posted by Roweenaa

Thanks ya'll. And thanks for the welcome. I was a little hesitant to join being female, but we love our firearms too!
Yes it is the original finish. I was a lucky lady finding it. A WWll vet recently passed away and his son was liquidating his collection. It was a "safe queen" and taken care of. I was told the Dad brought it home when he mustered out of service. I've taken it down and found all numbers match and where they are suppose to be. No rust anywhere. I'd love to shoot it, but as clean as it is I don't know if I should. Would it diminish the value if I did?

If you have not done this already, write up a simple statement from the son's point of view detailing how to his knowledge his dad brought it back from the war (basically whatever he told you).
Then get him to sign it and date it.
It will add to the authenticity of it (and the value). Especially if he had an old photo of his dad from years ago with the gun.
All of this will depend on how well you know him, and how good a deal you got.

[eldarbeast]

Beautiful pistol!

Great catch!

Welcome to the Forum!

eldar

[Roweenaa]

Originally Posted by Blue

If you have not done this already, write up a simple statement from the son's point of view detailing how to his knowledge his dad brought it back from the war (basically whatever he told you).
Then get him to sign it and date it.
It will add to the authenticity of it (and the value). Especially if he had an old photo of his dad from years ago with the gun.
All of this will depend on how well you know him, and how good a deal you got.

I'll see if I can get him to do that but really don't know him that well. But, and ya'll are going to cry, I bought it for $150.00. So I think I got a good deal for something I just HAD to have no matter what the price asked. it was an "emotional" buy. You know, one of those guns you pick up and it just fits and you just have to have. The Hubby doesn't even touch "Berta", he knows better. That's Mamma's Luger!
LOL

[ajole]

Originally Posted by Roweenaa

But, and ya'll are going to cry, I bought it for $150.00.

Oh my GOD!!!

Call the cops, you stole that gun!