Severe Pitting on byf 42

[HerbZ]

Tac san,

Here's a photograph of the muzzle, clearly showing what I believe to be bluing in the grooves (and traces of the copper brush I just used on it). I don't know if this was usual for a Luger or not, as it is the first Luger I've handled in over a third of a century.

I didn't think of putting pigment back into the letters of GESICHERT on a Luger as the "equivalent of whitening the lettering on tires," but more like putting the pigment back into the letters of LUFFWAFFEN on a Leica IIIc camera from the same era. I realize that there would be disagreement amongst authorities concerning this degree of restoration on both items.

The bronze wool that I know of is sold in only two grades, coarse or fine, but I'll look into it. Also thanks for the tip on Birchwood Casey lead-away cleaner.

As I'm typing away here, my older brother just called me on the phone and communicated, on behalf of the family, a cease and desist order against using anything more abrasive on the Luger than "a gun & reel silicone cloth." I still have permission the shoot the pistol (and clean it afterwards, of course), but that's about it, until I'm asked to return it.

HerbZ

P.S. Well, regardless, I've got the bug and I'm gonna have to obtain my own Luger. I guess now I'm in the market too. However, on my budget it'll have to be for one selling for well under $1K.