Colt 1911 Restoration by Thor
 

BEFORE and AFTER Pictures. Grips were not restored.
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Superb work, Thor! Too bad mine was too far gone to have the work done.

I never get tired to see Thor's work.
It's deserves a book on its own.

Thor
Looks like you started with the typical "black army" Colt 1911 with very little finish left(as usual). :eek:
Interesting story on these guns. Expedited WW1 production with finish and machining shortcuts.
If you ever find one of these guns with the original finish intact,it must have been in a sock drawer for 100 years. Many where parkerized in arsenal rebuilds for WW2 use.
Great job. Good to know you do this kind of work.:rockon:
Bob

Ted post a luger or two. They really show your talent! Eric

Eric, I like the difference between a Rust BLued WWI Luger and a "Black Widow" (sorry couldnt resist that one)
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Ted a beautiful comparison~~Eric. Ps Give my love to the fam!!!

Ted how long have you been doing this? I feel like I've known you for ever!!

I started my gun business in February of 2001. Ralph gave me great insite on how to start the home business and get my FFL. His guidance was pivotal and greatly appreciated. After 911 happened I got laid off from the Engineering business I was working for and then ithe Luger work became full time. I did a stint as a School Bus Driver from 2006 to 2009. Natalie and I have been teaching Sunday school to the 2 and 3rd graders at our church which I view as my most lasting contribution to other people. We have been doing that for 11 years now and still have a fire in our hearts for the kiddos and the Lord.

You have allot to be proud of!! Thank God for Natalie and my Debby!!

I have to ask, what's up with the grips? The gun is beautiful - are the grips to be replaced, or is there a sentimental value to them as-is? Just curious...

I believe the owner is intending to send them to Hugh Clark for restoration.

Ted, I hope not! I think what Zorba means might be the same that struck me when I first looked at the pics of these two beautiful guns--the grip with the rounded upper front corner hanging out. I'd likely pronounce this a repro grip panel, left to my own. Am I mistaken?

Until I got to the latest posts, which I've addressed above, I'd intended to post something, throwing down with Douglas in his mention of a book of your work. Not only would it be eye candy for the Luger-droolers and any firearms enthusiast, alike, but I get the impression you have more wisdom to pass on than restoring Parabellum pistols. I'll bet you could spawn a most interesting tome!

I believe Zorba is referring to the 1911s unrestored grips, not the rounded edge grip on the rust blued WW1 Luger.

Ted about how many have you rescued in your life?

Oops, so much for my ability to follow a thread and make interpretations past midnight!:confused::rolleyes::cheers:

Beautiful!

Over 300 Lugers, then probably P.38s, Broomhandles are second numerous. Only a dozen PPKs and less than that Nambus. Only one Lahti, never never never again. Took me 5 hours to assembly it. The Books say almost impossible without a jig to do it. probably 3-4 1911s. l really like working on P.38s. The Code 480 I did was a mess when it arrived.

I have been known to spin a tale or two, like this one!
Thor’s Lair
The Stygian darkness was shattered by a crashing bolt from the dark clouds rolling in with the midnight storm that swirled about suggesting something even more powerful was trapped within that rolling thunder. The winds, unexpectedly strong, tore a gnarled oak tree from its hold on the earth slamming it into the side of the adjacent mountain crag with a crash that no ear heard.
The thunder furnace was ablaze with molten metal that glared with intense heat at anyone that got their face close enough to peer within. That furnace was purging out all the impurities of the metal, swirling by the horrible heat that fed its insatiable hunger. ……… It was almost time!!!
The furnace, among other machines of metal manipulation, was anchored there, deep in the roots of the mountain in a cavern below the roaring winds and clashing flashes of lightning and thunder. They worked at the demand of their master, Thor. These sieges of metal work would pummel, flatten and work the metal to its proper surface, curved surfaces, arcs or flats…………without mercy! Cracks, crevices and holes that festooned the forgotten and abandoned metal of the Luger that may have been as a result of misuse, or from a spill of warrior’s blood, corrosion from salt water from a sea faring quest or from the sweat of a soldier waiting in trench expecting to be overrun were to be repaired, rendered, rejuvenated, restored to its original beauty and lines.

Ted,

Chapeau, really, you must be proud of your work, it's simply wonderful.
I wish we were living a little bit closer :-)

Congratulations indeed.

Sergio

Cool writing! If you're a "Conan the Barbarian" fan - for some reason this reminds me of the classic Conan story "The Thing in the Crypt" - wonder how that'd go with a Luger instead of the sword that was depicted!

And yes, for the record, I *was* referring to the 1911 grips (I should have been clearer!) - Hugh will do a GREAT job!

Guilty Guilty. I am a big CONAN fan. I read all the LANCER copys of his stories by Robert E Howard. I love Frank Frazetta's cover artwork.
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I also wrote this satirical or maybe considered farcical story about a made up General DWM.
The Luger War Trophy
The smell of cordite, blood and sweat hung heavy in the air! The rolling acrid smoke stung the young soldiers eyes as he peered through the haze of battle. Only faint moans of wounded soldiers muffled through the air and in the distance the faint clank of the machines of War from the retreating army. The soldier overwhelmed from the recent memories of the roar of battle, the cry of people being hit by small arms fire and artillery shrapnel stood in a daze remembering the recent senses reeling episodes of exploding shells, running and screaming people and all the other noises that made up the battle that had just concluded. Some of the smoke and haze cleared and the young soldier spied a German officer crumpled by several hits from a machine gun. He lay in an awkward crumpled heap that bespoke the violence of his death. Coming closer now………watching warily for any sign of life, the solider saw what he had long to find! A fine German pistol, or so he assumed, housed in a slightly blocky looking hard black case or holster as you yanks might call it. After certain the officer was stone cold dead, he removed the fine German pistol, glinting in the sunlight that was striving to clear the battle haze and smoke. IT WAS A LUGER, and real German Luger and upon close examination of the fine weapon, he knew he had found the personal weapon of the famous German General!! General Dieter Wilhelm Mauser!! For on the top of the toggle was inscribed the Generals initials in a fine scroll work! General DWM!!:jumper:

Yes, got it now...

Restoration of the grips will be the icing on the cake for this one. And Hugh will amaze, never disappoint!

I meant to mention I got some good guidance on restoring these pistols from the late Mr Bill Adair. I seem to remember he passed on in 2009. He told me what equipment to get and what to do with these pistols. I ended up working on some of his restorations that he did not want to do the metal work on like really bad broomhandle Mauser pistols. He did all my engraving touch up of markings and he specialized in Colt Pistols and did some Luger work. I now have a great engraving restorer that I am blessed with his work, Mr Brian Powley of Brian Powley Engravers.