Re-bluing: its impact on collectability and value
 

Hi all,

I have seen a 1918 luger that has caught my eye.
It is a DWM with all matching including magazine and grips with about 95ish blue and 93ish straw (very subjective).

Anyway, it was re-blued about 20 years ago.

From very close inspection of the pictures, it does look very nice and the bluing was professionally done...by someone on the board if I remember.

So the punch line: what is the impact on collectability and value?

Richard

Complete. Unless the example is something exceedingly rare advanced collectors will never touch it and ANY reblue job affects value by 30-50% depending on the skill of the refinisher.

rebluing on a collectable pistol is about the same as putting your finger on a rock, and hitting it with a hammer. OUCH..............50 to 70% drop from original finish unless a really rare model. John

Would an all matching Simson Luger that was previously improperly refinished be worth a full restoration? Would you get your investment back?

Marc

The "15. MARZ 1895" Mauser Pistol was printed on page 49 of Jean Huon's Mauser book. It's the first time I saw this famous piece in hi-resolution color picture (older books had its b/w images). To my surprise, it was nickle plated by someone in the past. Lord. It was left alone in that state though. That's one option.

Its like buying somsone elses' ex-girlfriend with perminent make up. There are loads of others that need a home!

She lost her virginity to the hands of someone who didn't like they way she looked before! Suppose you decide break up, First question, "was she reblued?? All that original beauty she had as you found will be stripped away. Natural wear is a legitimate aspect. My best non-legal opinion is sit on it. Cant hurt anything!! PS Acid is forvever! Try selling any Luger after 2 seperate plastic surgeries!

I would guess a reblued Luger would be worth about 50%.
Bob

I believe re-bluing would only affect it's value to a collector. To the Great Unwashed {I are one], it would not affect the value at all. But only if re-blued (read: dipped).

Buffing, sanding, grinding, engraving are a whole different matter.

Keep in mind that are you talking a re-blue or a restore?

I have a feeling you were offered a restore by one of the gunsmiths here on the forum, so a restore and a bubba reblue are totally different.

I think of a reblue, as being a buffed a bit, then reblued luger, using improper techniques.

A restore of proper bluing is worth less than a normal gun, but more than a 'reblue'.

Friends I know, and I agree with, is that a restore is worth about half of what a 98% original gun is worth...


Ed

see no dif between retore and reblue.
It's only original once.

Yes, Ed, this Luger was offered to me by one of the highly regarded gunsmiths on this board and I very much like it.

Now that I think more about it, the pistol may well have been "restored" and not just "re-blued". My bad, I should have been more precise.

From, the comments, it looks like everyone agrees that assuming everything is matching and correct, an original condition Luger is more desirable than a re-stored one.

Thanks guys for all your input.

Richard

I think the value would get your investment back, provided the initial investment was above shooter price, but close to it?

I think Simson's are undervalued for their rarity, there are less of them made than Krieghoff's (and yes, Kriegs are better finished and fitted)....

You are both helping us all by haveng this friendly and frank discussion. Assume a test luger surfaces like the one on Gunbroker with the "funcky' grips .This should only remain in its condition except the hidicious grips.Why because this test pieces lived through 100 years of blood, sweat and tears. I was considering buying it just to rid such a piece by the cheap disrespect this Jailer has done!. I dont see any test peaces in any condition to face plastic surgery much less castration with a dull butter knife for treason. I learned practicing trial trial law for over 24 years, Hes getting the publicity useing a decent test piece as his Poster Luger. He cant be that deaf, ignorent. In Law for every responce there is a motive. Hes belittled a beautiful piece and wont replace the pretty with proper grips as the it might sell. Then he will need another 'Luger poster child'! TED THE MIRACLE WORKER WILL ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS AND CONCERN. He has plenty of work an can afford that luxary! Once you chemicall strip away a hundred years, you have forever lost part of 'OUR LUGER HISTORY' Ted knows what guns should be transform and those that should be left alone!

Ed, thanks for the feedback. I have a mid to low shooter price invested in the base Simson, so sounds like it's a worthwhile project.

It does amaze me that Simson Lugers don't command a greater interest than the Krieghoffs, especially considering the core of the stories behind their manufacture and rarity. Only 12,000 or so total, right?

Marc