LUGER

Note: The Luger section in this book is arranged chronologically by year of manufacture under individual manufacturer/city arsenal headings.
Often times, year of production can be hard to nail down, especially on commercial models. An easier way to initially identify your Luger is to categorize by toggle marking first - then by chamber marking within groups (chronologically for dated chambers). Once you know period of manufacture, simply refer to the appropriate subheading in this section. While some rare variations will be excluded in this generalized overview, it will be very helpful to establish correct, basic knowledge about your particular Luger.
While many recently imported Lugers would make workable shooters, they have in no way lowered prices on 90%+ condition specimens with all matching original parts due to normal collector activity in original condition only pistols. Recently imported Lugers should have the importer's name visibly stamped on an exterior surface. Most of these recent imports are in the 9mm Para. - 4 in. barrel configuration. Recently imported Lugers with the importer's markings visible are typically priced in the $450-$700 range.
Every year more and more reblued, restrawed, regripped, reframed, and rebarreled Lugers are sold to unknowing military handgun collectors as rare variations. On any expensive contract variation, careful inspection for originality on all parts must be made before potentially purchasing. If in doubt, secure 2 or 3 additional appraisals/observations from qualified individuals. Lugers are a field in themselves and a specialized Winchester dealer would not be qualified to guesstimate the originality of these German handguns.
A final note on Lugers: Original pistols in 90%-100% condition have not been affected by the influx of recent imports as these newly imported guns are usually in 80% and lower condition or have been reblued.
It seems that every year the prices of top quality (98%+ condition) original Lugers get more expensive and less predictable. For this reason, the 100% values on many Lugers have been omitted intentionally, since rarity precludes accurate price evaluation in this condition factor. In many cases, the value for a mint original military Luger can double the 98% price listed.
For Borchardt models, please refer to Borchardt listing.
Values for all variations of Lugers assume a proper magazine and matching parts. All Lugers that were originally manufactured with numbered magazines should increase in value if that Luger has one or both original matching magazines.
Semi-auto pistol design originated by Georg Luger while at DWM, circa 1899. Several subsequent manufacturers - see main text for more information. Previous post-WWII manufacture (through 1997) was by Mauser-Werke Oberndorf Waffensysteme, located in Oberndorf, Germany.

LUGER Firearms Models

LUGER S/42 DATED CHAMBER Image

LUGER S/42 DATED CHAMBER

9mm Para. cal., 4 in. barrel, many thousands produced, "S/42" stamped rear toggle, chamber dated 1936-1940. One of the most frequently encountered WWII military Lugers.

LUGER MODEL 1923 Image

LUGER MODEL 1923

ser. range 89,001-91,000. Configuration: The last thousand or so made have "safe" on lever and "loaded" on the extractor, 3 7/8 in. x 7.65mm Para. barrels.

LUGER CONVERSIONS: JOHN MARTZ Image

LUGER CONVERSIONS: JOHN MARTZ

John Martz of Lincoln, CA has converted WWII P.38s (please refer to P.38 section) and WWI or WWII Lugers into various configurations since 1968. These conversions are known for their quality workmanship and functional accuracy. Below is a g...

STOEGER .22 CAL. LUGER Image

STOEGER .22 CAL. LUGER

.22 LR cal., toggle action, all steel or aluminum construction, 4 1/2 or 5 1/2 in. barrel, right or left-hand safety, 10 shot mag., previously mfg. in the U.S. until 1985.

LUGER 1906 BRAZILIAN Image

LUGER 1906 BRAZILIAN

7.65mm Para. cal., 4 3/4 in. barrel, 5,000 mfg. from DWM in 1908 and delivered in 1910, ser. no. 01-5000, grip safety, blued finish, w/strawed small parts, no coat of arms on the chamber, should have Brazilian inspector proof on the right s...

STOEGER LUGER Image

STOEGER LUGER

9mm Para. cal., choice of 4 or 6 (Navy) in. barrel, stainless steel construction, choice of polished stainless or matte black (new 1996) upper frame finish, American eagle engraved on top of frame, curved front grip strap, 7 shot mag., plas...

LUGER CODE "42" Image

LUGER CODE "42"

9mm Para. cal., 4 in. barrels, dated 1939-1940, rear toggle marked "42." One of the most frequently encountered WWII military Lugers.

1923 FINNISH LUGER Image

1923 FINNISH LUGER

7.65mm Para. cal., approx. 5,000-7,000 units made for Finnish military contract (Army and Navy), marked "SA" surrounded by a rectangle, most have been recently imported into the U.S.

LUGER CODE "41-42" Image

LUGER CODE "41-42"

9mm Para. cal., 4 in. barrel, 2-digit date, approx. 7,000 mfg. in January of 1941, "41" dated chamber, "42" code, most 42 dates are reworks.

LUGER CODE "byf" Image

LUGER CODE "byf"

9mm Para. cal., 4 in. barrel, thousands made, chamber dated "41" and "42". Rear toggle is stamped "byf", standard magazine was "fxo" marked and had an un-numbered plastic bottom. One of the most frequ...

LUGER AUSTRIAN BUNDES HEER Image

LUGER AUSTRIAN BUNDES HEER

9mm Para. cal., 4 in. barrel, several hundred produced, Austrian Federal Army, no serial letter suffix-same ser. placement as Mauser 42KU. Rarely encountered in mint condition.

Conversions: John Martz Experimental Lugers Image

Conversions: John Martz Experimental Lugers

experimental pistols have been made in .40 S&W (disc.), .41 AE (disc.), .357 SIG (11 mfg., 7, 8, or 9 in. barrel) and .357 Mag. Most have 8 in. barrels (except for .40 S&W cal., disc.). Extreme rarity (and not for sale status) precl...