Two questions re: value
 

First question:
Will the value of a collectible Luger decrease or increase if it has a grip with the "million dollar chip" repaired?
Second question:
Will the value of a collectable Luger increase or decrease if the grips are cleaned and oiled with Tru-Oil Gun Stock Finish?
TIA

A- depends on how bad the chip is, and how well the repair is done.
A good repair is not noticable and has little effect on the value, JMHO.

B-Depends! Clean grips on a well used pistol are not "right", neither are oily worn out grips on a 98% pistol.

Again, a light cleaning is probably ok on most pistols - IF they need it. But no tru oil!

I'd rather someone leave them alone and let me decide to clean or not to clean. JMHO.

But definitely no oil!:(

My $.02:
Good grip repair is not a bad thing. I'd call it a wash or slight increase in value over a chip. But it depends on the worksmanship.
Mild cleaning, diluted mineral spirits and a tooth brush is OK, but some here prefer original dirt. Absolutely, without a doubt, Tru-Oil is not appropriate. I have at times used a mixture of mineral spirits, with a few drops of linseed oil and Japan Dryer to clean grips and been very happy with the results.
dju

Thanks for the replies
 

Thanks Don And David,
Your answers are exactly what I though. Since the benefit ($) of repairing the grip is relatively small I'll leave the grip as is an no Tru-Oil!

I know you already have the answers you were looking for, but IMO, a large chip in a numbered matching grip, properly repaired by Hugh Clark or Jim Solomon, will restore the value of the gun to what it should be. I always deduct value for chipped or incorrect (non-original) grips on any gun I am considering buying.

- Geo

Thanks Geo99,
I appreciate your input. If I decide to have it repaired and later the chip returns because I sell the gun to someone who decides to make it a "shooter". I believe the liability for repairing it again rests with me. I don't think I want that responsibility. I recently read that the chip is caused by the recoil action during firing and not by poor grip removal.

I think it was Gerry T. (sic) who does perfect at repairs!

G.T. Does magic, worth everything!