Question about original finish: 1917 Erfurt
 

I'm looking to buy this 1917 Erfurt from a friend. All matching numbers. Is the "white" mark on the top with the crown and Erfurt common? I've also read that the safety lever and trigger should be a straw color. These appear blue. See pictures. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

The only original area that was white on a luger was the Gieschert (sp) on the left side for the safety.

All other whiting was added at some point by a collector or someone who wanted it to stand out.

"Usually" it is grease pencil or the like and hoppes gun oil or other nonintrusive oil will take it off using a toothbrush.

Welcome to the forum, read around here, read the FAQ, see what other 1917 Erfurts are supposed to have for matching numbers etc.

The old adage is buy books, then guns. Many folks don't follow that advice ;)

Ed

Hi Louis, Welcome to the forum. I'd like to echo Ed's advice, buy a Luger book or two. As to your question regarding this gun's finish, it has been re-blued. Regards, Norm.

Thanks guys. He also offered a P-38 AC44 and two NIB Mauser post-war models. I'll ask a question on the P-38 on the appropriate forum. Appreciate the help. Lou

What kind of postwar Mausers does your friend have?

The newer Lugers are both Interarms.

P08, 4", 9mm, New in box
Swiss-style, 30 cal, 6", New in box

Pics available. My email: loudeeter@aol.com

bikehog,

It looks like there has been some refinishing or parts changing going on. The safety lever is as you mentioned blue, it should be straw, as should be the trigger, the takedown lever, and the magazine release button.
Also you need to check all of the numbered parts, there should be the last two digits of the serial no. on each numbered part. The full s.n. should be on the front of the frame above the trigger guard, the left side of the receiver and on the underside of the barrel at the back, there may also be a alphanumeric character in cursive below the s.n. on the front of the frame and possibly on the barrel.
Erfurt lugers also have Erfurt proof marks on most of the parts, so there should be plenty of proof marks on the gun.
Even if it has a couple of replaced or refinished parts it is still a nice example and if you can get the holster and perhaps a spare magazine and tool in the deal, you might do well.
barr

Definitely a reblue IMHO, even if the trigger and safety lever were still straw, the exterior finish doesn't look original...but at least it didn't have the heck buffed out of it...

Enjoy it. Nice Erfurt. Let me add my welcome to the forum!