The "Black Widow" Luger Craze & Veteran Story!

Published on September 13, 2022
Duration: 18:59

This video provides an in-depth review of the Luger "Black Widow" variant, focusing on its history, market value, and distinguishing features. It details how to identify original Bakelite grips and discusses the significant price increase of these firearms. The video also shares the compelling story of Edwin Lloyd Piper Jr., a decorated US Army veteran who brought a Luger home, highlighting his service in WWII and the Korean War, including escaping captivity.

Quick Summary

The 'Black Widow' Luger is a marketing term for byf-41 and byf-42 Mauser-produced Lugers featuring original black plastic grips and black plastic bottom magazines. Their value has surged due to collector demand, with prices significantly increasing when these specific grips are present, often doubling the firearm's worth compared to models with wooden grips.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Black Widow Luger & Vet Story
  2. 00:16The 'Black Widow' Luger Explained
  3. 00:45Identifying byf-41 and byf-42 Lugers
  4. 01:03Grip Variations: Wood vs. Black Plastic
  5. 01:24The 'Black Widow' Price Surge
  6. 02:35Plentiful Production & Grip Swapping
  7. 03:10'Brown Recluse' vs. 'Black Widow'
  8. 03:53Auction Prices on GunBroker
  9. 04:21Current Market Frenzy & Predictions
  10. 05:06Historical Price Trends (Krieghoff)
  11. 05:31Why Prices Are High (Business Perspective)
  12. 05:47Examining a Specific 'Black Widow' Rig
  13. 05:55The Holster: Black, Brown Interior
  14. 06:11The Tool: 655 Proof Mark
  15. 07:09The Grips: Original Bakelite
  16. 07:35Matching Magazine & Serial Numbers
  17. 07:50Serial Block and Production Year
  18. 08:32Spare Magazine & Numbering Issues
  19. 09:04byf-41 Production & Value Chart
  20. 09:45Grip Material Distribution Over Time
  21. 10:09Authenticity: Spotting Swapped Grips
  22. 10:31Identifying Original Bakelite Grips
  23. 11:05Bakelite Durability (Sour 38h Example)
  24. 11:38Sound Test: Original vs. Replica Grips
  25. 12:04Fitment Test: Original vs. Replica Grips
  26. 12:44Predicting Future Reproduction Quality
  27. 13:25The Veteran: Edwin Lloyd Piper Jr.
  28. 13:37Holster Inscription: E.L. Piper Jr.
  29. 14:08Firearm Markings: Waffen stamped, PO8
  30. 14:22Focus on the Veteran's Story
  31. 14:32Edwin Lloyd Piper Jr. - Photo & Bio
  32. 14:54Military Service: US Army, Rank Sergeant
  33. 15:01Service in WWII & Korean War
  34. 15:14Obituary Details: Wife, Death Year
  35. 15:28Awards and Decorations
  36. 15:51Silver Star & Distinguished Unit Citation
  37. 16:18Escaping POW Camp in Korea
  38. 16:27Civilian Life: Mechanic, Locomotive Engineer
  39. 16:37Hobbies: Outdoors, Hunting, Fishing
  40. 16:46Sense of Humor: The Outhouse Mannequin
  41. 17:18Psychologist's Insight: Learning Disabilities
  42. 17:33Backward 'J' and Dyslexia Connection
  43. 17:53Impact of Learning Differences
  44. 18:15Right Brain vs. Left Brain Strengths
  45. 18:42Recap: Veteran's Life and Service

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Luger a 'Black Widow'?

A 'Black Widow' Luger is a marketing term for byf-41 and byf-42 Mauser-produced Lugers, distinguished by their original black plastic grips and black plastic bottom magazines, differentiating them from earlier models with wooden grips.

Why have 'Black Widow' Luger prices increased so much?

The prices have surged due to collector demand and the perceived value added by the original black plastic grips. Swapping brown grips for black ones can significantly increase a firearm's market price, creating a 'feeding frenzy' among collectors.

How can one identify original 'Black Widow' Luger grips?

Original grips are made of Bakelite, a hard plastic that produces a higher-pitched sound when tapped and fits precisely without gaps. Replicas are often made of softer plastic, have a duller appearance, and exhibit poor fitment with visible gaps.

Who was Edwin Lloyd Piper Jr., the veteran associated with this Luger?

Edwin Lloyd Piper Jr. was a highly decorated US Army veteran who served in both World War II and the Korean War. He earned two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star, and notably escaped captivity in both conflicts, demonstrating exceptional bravery.

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