byf 41 P08 value

22hipower

I've owned a few Lugers but only know enough about them to get in to trouble. Read with interest the earlier post on a byf 42 today and then came across a byf 41. I don't think it will be for sale but the owner would like to know the value. I took pictures but have not been able to get imageshack to cooperate; maybe when I try again later. Anyway, appears to be 95% or better original blue. Straw color where I understand it is supposed to be. All numbers in the places I know to look match. Two magazines with the same serial numbers in excellent condition. byf 41 marked holster in excellent condition but without the gun's SN as far as I could see. I'll try to post pictures again later and could e mail them to anyone who is interested. Assuming my description is accurate would appreciate value estimates. Thanks much.

Edit: Ok, had to switch photo hosting sites to get pix but here are some. All I had with me was cell phone so they're not great. Only "straw" color noted is as shown in first photo; "strip" under toggle. Numbered small parts aren't shown but all of them I could see matched the basic SN. Grips, as shown in pictures, are excellent but I didn't take them off to see if they are numbered. Magazines appear in almost new condition. As I said, I'm not much of a luger guy but this is the nicest package of gun, matching mags, and apparently correct holster that I've seen. I assumed value should be in the $3k range but wondered if it might be more. Thanks Babun for the luger site reference; great site.

Edit 2: No takedown tool or cleaning kit. I was talking to a third party rather than the owner when I looked at the gun. I asked about capture papers and he didn't know but the actual owner may. I'll ask about papers, and the tool/cleaning kit, and will look the holster over more closely to see if there are any other markings. Thanks for all the very helpful comments.

babun

The place to go with any Luger....


http://luger.gunboards.com/forum.php

perry shooter

It sounds like you MAY have a pistol that has considerable value. Bunches of well lit in focus close up pictures of both the pistol assembled and completely stripped of every part .Many of the small parts will have the last 2 digits of the 4 digit serial number. Nothing can replace a hands on inspection but the right kind of pictures will come close . The higher the potential value the more a Buyer will want to know. Just curious what exactly are the Holster markings and do you perhaps have any Capture papers if so this will also increase Value.

nmyers

A complete Luger "rig", which includes all the accessories you show (plus a loading tool) adds to the value of the gun. The loading tool should look like this:



If the visible numbers match, it's likely that the small ones inside match also. Most critical to the value is the barrel: the number on the bottom must match the frame, & the bore must be good.

Nice looking holster. A collector will check the stitching with a UV light to see if it has been repaired.

It looks like a nice collectible gun. Value increases greatly with every percentage point above 95%. But, the byf variation is relatively common, as many were brought back from WW2 by GI's. Assuming the photos you posted are best you will be able to get, I would expect the rig to bring $2,000-2,500.

Neal

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by gary wray
I am really interested in the holster as it does not seem to have the three letter makers code on it but rather a 1/41 which might be a unit designation. Is there anywhere on the leather where you see a P08 mark? Or better yet a three letter maker code?


Prior to 1941 the Germans used numerical codes, before transitioning to the better known letter codes. This might explain the markings on the holster?