Description
There are custom Lugers—and then there are John Martz Lugers. This .38 Super Limited Edition 1 of 10, crafted in 1983, sits among the rarest and most collectible examples ever produced. One of only ten ever made by the late master gunsmith John V. Martz in his Roseville, California workshop, this pistol represents the pinnacle of postwar American craftsmanship applied to a German legend.
Martz’s name carries serious weight among collectors. Known for transforming and reimagining classic Luger and P-38 pistols, he worked alone, meticulously building and modifying each piece by hand—a process that often took months to complete. His attention to detail was absolute. This particular example, marked “MSTR” and engraved “John V. Martz Thirty-Eight Super Limited Edition 1 of 10” on the frame, bears his unmistakable touch: precise lines, seamless integration of new and vintage components, and that flawless deep blue finish that collectors recognize instantly as “Martz blue.”
The pistol’s form echoes the Imperial German Navy Pattern Luger, but its heart is all Martz—modernized, refined, and chambered in .38 Super. The result is both functional and beautiful, a firearm that captures the delicate balance between engineering and art. Every curve, contour, and polish mark tells the story of a craftsman who elevated gunmaking to an art form.
In near-mint condition, this example embodies Martz’s lifelong pursuit of perfection. Few of his creations have survived in this state, and even fewer are part of such an exclusive numbered series.
Owning this Luger is more than acquiring a firearm—it’s owning a piece of American gunsmithing history, the culmination of one man’s legacy of precision and passion. For serious collectors of custom or prototype arms, Martz #1 of 10 is as rare and significant as they come.
