Stawing

[Marvin]

Ray,


All the 1939 Lugers were Salt Blued and no Straw. The change from Rust Blue with Straw parts to the Salt Blue happened in the mid-late 1937 time period. This was done for two reasons, cost and time. The Rust Bluing was a very time consuming effort and this in turn made the pistol more expensive. The Salt Blue would do the same as far as protection from rust is concerned. IT was not as "pretty", but was very funtional.


The Stamps you refer to did have the numbers "655" stamped under the Eagle. This is the number of the Government inspector who was responsible to the Heereswaffenamt for total quality of the parts and finally the completed pistol. Take a look at the "Techinical Information" section and then click on the "Markings" section. There is an article on the Waffenamt stamps.


Good Luck on the purchase, and if you do get it, please come back and let us know more info and we may be able to provide you with more detail.


Marvin