Concerns on K Date
 

Friends,

I'm viewing a K Date that is presently for sale at auction. I have concerns that it has been modified and is not original. My main issue is the serial number on the front of the frame. In my opinion the frame has been shaved and a new serial number applied. The main indicator is the style of font in the numbering. It does not match the rest of the gun. The "matching" magazine is described as renumbered (good the seller states that). The style on numbering between frame and mag are the same. I would appreciate comments on the gun and the conclusion I have reached. Thanks.

G2

I was more surprised at the serial number on the barrel - that's a wacky font.

I don't see much evidence that the frame was shaved, but there aren't any halos around the serial numbers, either. That makes me think it was refinished.

I actually have this pistol on my watchlist, I'm not interested in bidding on it just curious as to what it will sell for. Seems like a reputable seller and I bought a rifle from him about a year ago and it was exactly as advertised. The frame doesn't look shave to me at all, the font on the barrel does look funky but I think I've seen that before on others. Not saying it's legit but looking through Jan Still's Third Reich Lugers it seems to be a 3rd subvariation and judging from the pictures in the book I see some with the same font. The pistol is in the right serial # range for this variation. Hope this helps.
Jim

I would like to see a full left and right profile of this gun as well as a full on top view from muzzle to rear sight.
Is there a boxed "O/37" acceptance proof on the barrel ??
To me the fonts don't appear substantially different enough to warrant suspicion but then again we don't get to see the other existing numbers on the gun.
In my mind there is no way the front of the frame was shaved and even if it was what would be the objective ??
Since the seller has admitted to altering the mag numbers there would be no point in shaving the frame to match a faked mag. So unless all the small parts have matched numbers that do not match the original frame number there really is no reason to go to all that trouble.

Too little information to answer this dilemma properly and you know what that means ... more pictures please. Plus you know how I feel about 'white lipstick' ya ??

I could not tell you in good conscience that this gun is OK without holding it in my hand and allowed a 'take-down' inspection.

I have made several purchases from the seller with no issues. I'm not saying the seller has done anything to mislead potential buyers. Everyone makes mistakes and no one knows everything.

Why shave the frame? The same reason to alter a mag to match the gun. More inflated value for the seller.

I cannot imagine any reason for the Germans to change the style/font of numbering. I believe the frame number has been altered.

I agree with Greg, a hands-on examination should be done by the buyer.

G2

Biggest problem I have is that you really cannot inspect markings when they are filled with lacquer or other materials.

I'm not experienced with "K" dates. Was the process then stamping over the blued finished (which would result in halos) or after they were serialized? Things look odd around the barrel serial numbers (lighter in a broad area), and - as mentioned - no halos.

Frame is actually proud of the receiver - not shaved...

I agree - more needed and in hand inspection needed. No photos of receiver numbering or other areas like side plate.

The several I have found doing an internet search of K date serial numbers show the frame and barrel fonts matching , I was looking for SN's with the elongated? number 5 . hope this helps

The gun looks refinished to me.

I have dealt with this dealer and I have found him to be very honest and nothing has ever been hidden from my dealings. He does give an inspection period, so if it isn't "right", he will take it back. Just my 2 cents worth.
Dave

I have bought Multiple pieces from this dealer and 2 lugers. He is easy to deal with and I have never had a problem.

Sold for over $3500. Looking at it more and more the finish might have been touched up but it doesn't look like a complete refinish job. Without having it in hand it's hard to say 100% but It looked to be a good K. At least there is a 3 day inspection period. Any seller that offers money back at least stands behind what they sell.
Jim