Value of Military Handguns

[TX Trooper]

Back in 1986, my wife's Grandfather passed and she received several items from his estate. Her Grandfather was General LaGrande "Pick" Diller who served under General MacAuther all through WWII. She received several US and Japanese Military weapons. The items were two swords, three knives and two pistols. I would like to know if anyone may know the value of the pistols. One is a Colt Hammerless 380 and the secound is a Japanese Nambu with a leather pouch (it appears to have what I think is 8mm bullets). Your help would be appreciated. PS, is there a web site or book to find info on the swords and knives.

 

[ugaarguy]

I'm not a collector, so I have no idea what that stuff is worth. However, I can tell you that the historical provenance of who her grandfather was and that the weapons were brought back by him will exponentially raise their value over the same items without such provenance. It sounds like you two have a historical treasure. Of course, no matter their market value, their centimental value within the family will always be greater. If you're posting pictures will the folks who know their stuff here identify and value the items. From a history buff standpoint I'd also like to see pics if you're willing to post them, and I'm sure others here would as well. Finally, welcome to THR.

 

[CajunBass]

From a history buff standpoint I'd also like to see pics if you're willing to post them, and I'm sure others here would as well. Finally, welcome to THR.

Mr. Chairman. We have a motion on the floor. I would like to second the motion, and add my welcomes to TX Trooper.

 

[Trebor]

I agree that the provenance of these weapons can raise their value. Was the Colt actually issued as the General's personal pistol? Do you have documention of this? Do you have the "Capture paper" paperwork for the Japanese weapons?

You really need a high-end dealer to help you apraise or sell these items. I reccomend contacting Scott Duff. He's known for his knowledge of U.S. military weapons, but he should be able to help on the Jap stuff, or point you in the right direction, as well.

His website is www.scottduff.com

Contact him and see what he thinks.

 

[Chipperman]

A basic run-of-the-mill Colt 380 is worth about $300-400, depending on condition. As stated above, the history could push the value MUCH higher.

The Nambu could be worth $200-800 depending on model and condition, with the same caveat as above.

The swords could be worth $500 for basic WWII models. If they were old Japanese family swords, they could easily go into many thousands of dollars.

Pics could allow a better estimation of average value. For a reliable valuation though, contact an expert.

 

[Onmilo]

What is the serial number of the Colt .380?
I have a book which may list the gun as having been issued directly to your wifes grandfather.

Documentation along with any accompanying memorabilia can make the collection quite valuable on the market.

 

[Old Fuff]

I have a listing of Colt .380 General Officer's Pistols that lists a .380 caliber pistol as having been issued to: B.G. LeG A. Diller, but no additional information.

 

[browningguy]

And a verified General Officers issued pistol is usually a couple of thousand.

 

[pete f]

Likewise, if there is any paperwork associating the Nambu or the swords with a surrendering or captured/KIA japanese officer, the values can climb astronomically. At a gun show, some time ago, there was a guy who had the two sword set supposedly (he had scads of documentation, but who can say that it was correct) belonged to the general who was in charge of the capture of Bataan and the ensuing horrors of the Death March, He was not selling, but would talk to people if the offers were in the six figure range. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaharu_Homma

(I grew up with posters like this all over my grandparents house, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Anti-Japan2.gif the title of the poster is "anti-japan" but after hearing from people who were there, I still have a hard time with anything made in japan.)

Certain pieces like this, regarding Generals and War time objects of surrender, can fetch insane prices.

For a while I was on a mailing list of Auctions of militaria and I would see some of the auction reports of provenanced war booty and in particular what were considered the item of surrender. In the old times, when Generals would actually come out and meet and hand over their sidearm or sword as the act of surrender, that particular piece became very symbolic.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The Nambu is worth nothing. Send it to me and I will dispose of it for you






Nambu's in decent shape are going around $500-$600 right now, and a few hundred rounds of ammo is in the same range

 

[TX Trooper]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will be posting pictures soon on the two handguns. I was told by my father in law that the large sword was a naval officers sword and the name inside the handle was Soto. I don't think we have much documentation on the guns or sword, but if you read any book or watch any movie on General MacAuther, General Pick Diller will be mentioned. I have no plans on selling these items, I just wanted to know the value. The serial # on the 380 is M136879.

 

[Old Fuff]

Colt (Model M) .380 Pocket Model pistol, serial number M 136179 was apparently part of a shipment made by Colt to the Army between October 16, 1944 and December 27, 1944. The serial numbers ran from 130937 to 137484. As you may be aware, the United States returned to the Philippine Islands at about this same time, and I presume that if Gen Diller was with MacArthur the pistol was issued to him then as a personal weapon.

I would expect that the letter "M" is stamped in front of the serial number, and that perhaps another letter "M" is stamped on the magazine base. Also that the pistol is blued, rather then Parkerized. Please confirm these details, and I will add to the story...

 

[22-rimfire]

The Japanese swords may be the true jewels.

 

[XavierBreath]

You may want to poke around on coltautos.com for some information on the Colt pistol. You will likely find contact info for a collector or two of General issue sidearms. For certain there are many high quality photos to compare your M1908 to. As you will see by going through the photos, the entire collection of sidearm, photos, military history, decorations, and other memorabilia make a total package representing a unique history. Breaking up the package diminishes the historical legacy it presents.

In truth, the swords, pistols and other items that can be traced to a General officer's wartime service will command whatever a collector is willing to pay at auction. Prices paid can be far higher than many similar items on the market that lack the same provenance. I would not consider any offer at this time. I would not consider breaking up the collection. If the collection has been divided between descendants, I would consider bringing it back together, having it appraised, and donating it to a museum. Perhaps the appraisal value can be used as a tax deduction, and the collection can be enjoyed by many while being preserved as a part of our military heritage.

One such place to consider is the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.