Magazine: Original or Repro?
 

Just took out one of my Lugers for a fondling session, as this one hasn't been caressed for about three years. It is a 1920 commercial, 99%+ with outstanding straw, a condition often encountered in this model. However, for the first time I noticed that the unmarked wood bottom magazine is blued, not bright metal. The bluing is not of the almost black variety found in WWII mags, but a very light blue similar to the rust blue on the pistol itself. In all other respects the mag appears original, but I can find no reference to blued magazines during the Weimar period. Your valued opinions, please.

Re: Magazine: Original or Repro?
 

I, for one, have never seen an authentic magazine that was blued with a wooden bottom. I would venture to guess that a wood bottom was added to the tube to make it look original. It would be interesting to know if the magazine tube is of two part construction, with folded seams. That would tell me that someone blued an original mag tube. Either way, it should have an unblued surface. Most were plated and that plating turns slightly yellow over the years.

Bued Tubes
 

Hi,

You will find a Weimar Luger (especially a Police Variation) that will have a wood bottom on a blued tube, and it can be correct as the police were using everything that had to make up the rigs. It is seldom seen, but would be correct, say for example in a "sneak" Luger -- 1929 to 1933 time frame.


As far as a blued tube on a 1920 commercial Luger -- it is not correct. The tube has been changed.

Re: Bued Tubes
 

Thank you for confirming my suspicions. I will replace the magazine with the correct type.

Re: Bued Tubes
 

Herbert,


Give Tom Heller a call for a correct magazine. Tom is a regular on the Forum and he may be able to help you. You can get his number from the Links & Resources section to the left. Good luck on finding a magazine!


Marvin

Re: Bued Tubes
 

Thanks for the advice, Marvin, but I have a few shoeboxes full of original mags (all properly bagged and labeled, of course). I need only select a really nice one as a replacement.

Re: Bued Tubes
 

So, now we find the guy who has all the 'stashed' Luger clips!!

Re: Bued Tubes
 

Yes, I got the stupid idea to start collecting them in the sixties. I think the average price I paid was about $5.00 each!

Re: Bued Tubes
 

Don Hallock would sure appreciate the info on serial numbers for his list. Some of the guys might even be able to match a luger to a mag and you still get a mag back in trade.

Re: Bued Tubes
 

How much does he pay for listing each mag?

Re: Bued Tubes
 

He doesn't pay or collect anything, except the price of the list to cover cost of printing & mailing it. He will put the two people in contact with each other at no charge if you find your "missing" mag on his list.