my grandfather was forced to surrender his Luger before boarding a troop ship home
REMF’s have existed at all times and in all periods of the military. I have heard a number of stories from WWII enlisted where REMF Officer’s stole war trophies from combat enlisted men. They would call an inspection, make the men empty their duffy bags, and take what they wanted.
I suspect that is where that Luger went. REMF’s stole Zeiss binoculars, neat war photos, camera’s, you name it.
Swiss pattern Mauser built Interarms Luger
If this is the same, I remember seeing those in the 70's. Beautifully built pistols. About twice as much as a Colt M1911 of the era. I really doubt prices have fallen since then.
The last Lugers I saw that came into country were Russian capture rebuilds, and they still wanted $400-500 for them.
Got to shoot one. Barrel was pitted but it worked.
On television shows of the 60's, Lugers were the quintessential Evil Guy gun. Fashionable Evil Guys always carried Lugers. The gun looked sharp, the Evil Guys looked sharp, I think all the black suit/black glove visibility of the thing, and the fact that it was a primo carry back item for the WWII generation, Lugers have had and still maintain a high price.
Good luck finding one. Carry big bags of money.