Question Regarding Imperial Rod
 

With oiler! How does one use the oiler without making a mess?

The "dipstick" was meant to be used as a crude brush. Dip it in the oil well and then apply drops to all the typical areas needing lubricant on the pistol.

This is an era where lubrication and cleaning were viewed seperately.

From looking into many of these over the years ..they are always filled with grease.

Probobly needs refills often!!!! ~~~Eric

Eric, I wouldn't think so..I grease all of my frame rails & toggle pin. I would think oil would suffice but I like a light white lithium grease.
Doug could very well be right..they might have had oil..I just can't say except for my observations. IMO a well lubricated Luger needs a little of both!

I think it's not one original 1900 rod .
And like from Swiss guns , grease is more use than oil to lubificate

Where can one find 'white lithium grease'??

At any hardware store..comes in a spray can, about $5 bucks.

The total unit's construction and way it appears to be of service indicates that it is a luber and not an oiler. Some difference in translation. Think about it. They had oil in little cans that were issued. One of those grease wells full of grease would last a man through many days of firing his weapon.
I prefer black lithium to white until I get too much some place and get it on me and other things. I think the black looks better on blued guns.
Jack

Jack.. I think the black looks better on blued guns. I don't put it where you can easily see it! Just on the inside slide rails. The rest of the pistol is pretty liberally oiled up with a can of 3 in 1 household oil. I drip about ten drops on a shaving brush and get it everywhere.

the pattern on the lid normally has dicing patterns in 2 directions that cross each other. looks like a repro item. no original.

I'm wondering whether it's a Portuguese rod with a replacement shaft?
Regards, Norm

the pattern on the lid normally has dicing patterns in 2 directions that cross each other. looks like a repro item. no original.

Ben is correct..this is NOT an original rod IMO. You will also notice the brass rod is jointed. It is screwed into the stub projecting from the grease barrel.

I have mentioned this many times before but since it's come up..I will do so again. The Germans cannot have manufactured ANY rod with a screwed in shaft. Any shaft manufactured this way will unscrew itself and simply slide right out the end of the cleaning rod sleeve and be lost.

For You Jerry!!
 

A nice close-up!

When you look at that close-up, it is apparent that the work is pretty crude. Even I can do better than that.

My other!
 

A little different. They both look real to me!!

BTW, I used the word "oil" but I too agree that these were filled with grease.

"Knurling"...I just received a nice knurling tool for my German thread protectors, and a couple sets of rollers...getting only one direction cross hatch is pretty hard to do... :confused:

When you look at that close-up, it is apparent that the work is pretty crude. Even I can do better than that.
Neil..I have the advantage of knowing what a master craftsman you are..I would guess it would be a tad difficult to accurately make one of these grease barrel rods?

Why would anyone bother!!!