Finally got one!
 

Been wanting a 1900 for a while, won the bid on this...hopefully I didn't get carried away (do have 3 day insp.)It's BUG proofed, decent bore, ser #4672...not pretty now, but looks like a good resto candidate. I coughed up $1100.00 for it......?

Nice early serial numbered 1900 commercial! I was watching it go on AA last night on my smartphone while playing Scrabble with the wife. I think you did fine. And 1900's are ALWAYS pretty! She's just buck naked, that's all.

Many of these guns were sent to tests all over the world.

I vote to leave it be, but it would be a fine restoration candidate!

Congratulations!

I would leave it alone, too.
Personally, I think its patima has some glamour.
Congratualiton!
Douglas

If it is matching I hope you wore a mask because you stole it. IMHO: All original, leave it, mismatched or altered, restore it.
Welcome and nice gun!
dju

Yes, I would not restore it, too many folks want pretty restored guns and thats fine, but once reblued / restored, then it is no longer original.

I like its early number too.

Ed

Thanks for the nice comments guys, but go light on the guilt trip!:surr: seriously, I guess it is a dilemma...if it's totally original and matching, I guess best left alone....true, it does kinda have the same patina look as say, a turn of the century Colt SAA. But......they sure are gorgeous the way they left the factory....my little devil on the shoulder is whispering, "hope its mismatched" haaaa

One of the most beautiful of the Luger variations, and I congratulate you on your great find and good buy.

One of my 1900s is in MUCH worse shape... pitted, no remaining finish at all, but unmuddled, still functional, and fully matched.
I nicknamed it the Junkyard Dog, but have never considered restoration.
It has its own story to tell, and wears its scars proudly.
I just keep a light coat of oil over the bare metal, so it doesn't rust.

I think that the beauty of unaltered originality is something that developes from within with age, wisdom and experience. And when it does the beauty of a shiney new "paint job" looses a bit of luster. And by then it is too late for one that has been altered. I'm betting that over time you will agree.
So now you have a new mission; find a good candidate for restoration, or a restored gun.
dju

Gee, that was a bit condescending, nicht wahr?

Not at all. You got friendly advise from caring people.

Sorry, not meant to be condescending.
dju

Apology not necessary, David.....if we all didn't have the passion for these unique pistols, the site wouldn't exist. Everyone just has their own visions and tastes.....hell, a couple weeks ago, a prominent patron member who shall remain unnamed admitted he had a certain fondness for nickel plated Lugers.......shhhhhhh........:thumbup:

I also think this Luger looks best with the layer of patina on it...it gives it a 'steampunk' look...corresponding to its age... ;)

Reblued, it would just be another refinished Luger... :(

He might not be the only one.

My favorite "shooter" is a nickel (or maybe even chrome, ungodly shiny), 42 code 1940 chamber date, with, get this, REAL stag grips on it, hahahaha!!!

Complete matched #s, but I use MecGar mags in it, and the deceased elderly cop, whose son who I bought it from, actually electro-penciled his Social Security number all over all the inside parts and frame!

I added the cool stag grips, (she said proudly). :thumbup:

It's a real looker and traffic stopper at the range, and I just love the gaudy critter!
All it needs is a ton of engraving and it will be a classic Texas BBQ gun.

When fellow board member Leon DeSpain was kind enough to come visit and give me current appraisals on the collection a few years back, even HE liked it enough he hung a $1,000 tag on it!

Sometimes gaudy just plain rocks. :rockon:

Nice pistol . Doesn't need refinishing to look good . Congratulations