Home >> Collecting >> Gun Collecting

How to Determine the Value of a 1917 German Luger

The Luger is a German recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol originally designed in 1898 and manufactured in 1900. In World Wars I and II, the Luger's compact design and accurate firing made it a popular choice for ground forces and officers. Lugers are very collectible and have high resale value on the used arms market. Generally, Lugers that are in good firing condition can fetch from the high hundreds to thousands of dollars. You can appraise the value of your 1917 Luger in a number of ways.

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect your gun. If you have fired it at a range recently, take note of how it performs. If you have not fired or operated it, note its cosmetic condition. Even if your Luger does not fire, it can often be appraised as a collector's piece.
- 2
  Take your Luger, along with any ammunition, storage cases or original documentation, to a firearms retailer or gun exchange. These shops usually sell only newer guns, but most have an appraisal specialist who can assess your Luger. If you can't sell it directly to the retailer, he may be able to refer you to a buyer.
- 3
  Visit a pawnshop. If the shop deals in firearms and ammunition, the staff will often be able to estimate the value of your Luger. Beware of appraisers who give you a very low figure -- they may be trying to cajole you into selling them your gun for far less than it's worth.
- 4
  Contact an online appraisal service. Many websites will perform a professional inspection of your Luger and provide you with detailed feedback regarding its resale value. You may be asked to provide detailed pictures of your gun or ship it to the service, depending on the appraisal service you use.

Gun Collecting