S/42 1938 Purchase Decision

guns3545 · 08-25-2013, 11:52 AM

lfid wrote: "the right side picture shows it with an irregular reddish tint - which salt re-blued Lugers sometimes have due to temperature variations versus the steel hardness - I dont recall any discussion cases of this redness thing on original mausers "

The year 1938 seems to be a year when there was a lapse of quality control in the bluing process. We frequently see a "plummish color" especially on the receiver in both Mauser and Krieghoff P.08s produced in that year. Additionally, one can find the occasional Krieghoff commercial or side frame inscription, produced on 1939 from excess or rejected parts that exhibit this plum color.

Now having said that, the plum color can also be seen on poorly re-blued guns of all dates. So, as always be careful and look for multiple pieces of evidence to support any conclusion you may wish to draw.

It has been surmised on both forums and in some published literature, that either the control of temperature (too low) or an over dilution/over use of salts was the cause of the plum hue.

Hope this helps.

John

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08-25-2013, 11:52 AM	#9
guns3545 Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 438 Thanks: 661 Thanked 493 Times in 219 Posts	lfid wrote: "the right side picture shows it with an irregular reddish tint - which salt re-blued Lugers sometimes have due to temperature variations versus the steel hardness - I dont recall any discussion cases of this redness thing on original mausers " The year 1938 seems to be a year when there was a lapse of quality control in the bluing process. We frequently see a "plummish color" especially on the receiver in both Mauser and Krieghoff P.08s produced in that year. Additionally, one can find the occasional Krieghoff commercial or side frame inscription, produced on 1939 from excess or rejected parts that exhibit this plum color. Now having said that, the plum color can also be seen on poorly re-blued guns of all dates. So, as always be careful and look for multiple pieces of evidence to support any conclusion you may wish to draw. It has been surmised on both forums and in some published literature, that either the control of temperature (too low) or an over dilution/over use of salts was the cause of the plum hue. Hope this helps. John