Be sure to get a 3-5 day non-firing inspection period if you buy it. Given that prior owners have had doubts about the originality of the finish, that is not too much to ask. And if you are ready with a camera and the knowledge to use it we will try to give it the benefit of our experience so you can either send it back OR be comforatble in your purchase. But like Marc said giving opinions from photos can be an uncertain business.
Where are you located? There may be an experienced collector in your area that you could show it to.
Regarding Davis' book, I use it too but it is not Gospel and it is not popular here.
dju

I started acting on my interest in Lugers just a few years ago. My meager knowledge pales at the feet of the others on this forum that so kindly share their experience and skill.

With that said, I've been rather conservative on what I bought, and learned as I went. I have some nice things now, and some that would have less collector interest. So far, I haven't had any serious surprises. I expect that day will come at some point; but (of course) hope I don't make major mistakes.

I've made good investments in the books that have been authored over the years about our firearms. They have saved me quite a bit of time and trouble.

What knowledge I've managed to gain, I try and share back to the forums. That's what make a community, and the strength of that community is important.

The best way to learn to judge a finish is in person. We have a collector oriented gun show here in NC that I've attended. There I saw some outstanding examples of Lugers in original high percentage finish. The owner graciously allowed me to closely inspect them, and that has helped me ever since.

Marc

There you go - let's do this anonomously first before disclosing further details:

No front sight blade???

Maybe this helps:

no

you simply can't tell in small pictures like this, and especially in this color

Ed,

would you be willing to give me a phone call to discuss. I'm somewhat hesitant to disclose all the sellers information on this forum. Don't think that's appropriate. Please let me know. Thanks.

no, I don't do phone calls, hate to talk on the phone

you are welcome to email me, notice I said email, please don't PM me

Where do I find your email address?

click on my user name and it will show email. It has been a long week and I am trying to reinstall everything onto a new laptop, so sorry if I sound short.

or click ed_tinker@hotmail.com

ed

Andre'

This is originally a rust blued pistol. There should be visible "halos" around the serial numbers on the barrel, and they should conform to the shape of the stamped digits (since they are caused by the metal stress that resulted from the stamping). They should not have the appearance of daubing a chemical onto the s/n digits.

What do these look like on your Simson?

Marc

Marc

Marc, not my Simpson yet! I'm glad I posted this thread here in this forum before making this purchase, and I got lots of good advice and information about this gun. Looks like this gun has had 4 previous owners; don't know in what time frame but it makes me wonder why? Also, I have to admit this gun looks simply fantastic, maybe too fantastic for it's age and there might be some color issues as well. Reblued? However, for the time being I'm taking a step back from this purchase since I'm unable to inspect this gun in person although I really tempted to just buy it! Are there gun shows for Lugers in particular here in the US where I could find and inspect one in person. Or maybe an auctioneer with a great reputation for NOT offering faked Lugers? Any advice will be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone for "straightening" me out!

In North Carolina, there is a collector show that I found several Lugers at:

North Carolina Gun Collector's Association
Salisbury, NC

It's held a couple of times a year... About 100 tables...

Marc

Often the reason is 'trading up'. Selling the old for a better one.

Auctioneers are not Luger collectors; they can't be expected to know every little nuance of Luger lore that separates the gems from the fakes. And there is a widespread gentleman's agreement among collectors to NOT broadcast the tips that identify fakes. Or the unique characteristics that identify genuine rare or original Lugers.

Some think this is an exercise in futility, as there are many excellent books with detailed photos of rare/original Lugers pointing out what to look for. There have been many spirited arguments leading to member bans over this subject.

/rant :banghead: