Halo around numbers ?
 

I have a question , is the halo around certain numbers a guarantee of original stampings ?

What cause this to happen?

Are Luger stamping or numbering always done before the finish was applied ?


I guess that is more than one question , but thanks guys .

no, not really

depends on the era, the stamping, whether it is a proof or an acceptance

halo's can be faked - afraid to say it, but extensive experience looking at real guns is the only way to learn - purposely handle and look at lugers that are in 'rougher' shape, not beaten, but not pristine either -then you can judge what original finish looks like.

Rust blued pistol barrels were often numbered after assembly and finishing. While the manufacturing process engineering was different at the various manufacturers and in different eras, the process at DWM, Erfurt and Mauser (to 1937) didn't number the barrel until after finishing on most P.08 pistols. There are exceptions.

When the die stamp is driven into the steel metal surface, it causes the metal around the places where the die compresses the steel to stress. This causes stretching and makes the surrounding surface finish more diffuse. This makes the bluing look lighter, and thus like a "halo". Close inspection with a microscope or eye loupe will let you see the effect yourself. There are a couple of photos in the FAQ.

Kirk I had the same question. In this thread

http://luger.gunboards.com/showthrea...wbie-education

several experienced collectors comment on halos re: a .30 Luger American Eagle. Their comments may give you a feel for how expert collectors approach the halo question on a single pistol. But, as Ed says, the answers change depending on era etc.

So on a DWM pistol, would you only see haloing around the barrel numbers, or would it also be present on other numbers, like, for example, the toggle links?

Barrel, forward toggle link and extractor.

I see lots of Lugers for sale. They say they are original blueing
and yet they don't have any halo. It always makes me think they
are a reblue. Usually they are a 98% blue ones too.

Early DWM Lugers where the serial number is on the flange and not farther forward on the barrel, the numbers usually will not have a halo.

Hi Paul,
There are no shortcuts to assessing originality, you really have to do your homework. The presence/absence of Luger halos varies by manufacturer and by year, sometimes by month. For example, Mauser Lugers made in early 1937 were rust blued and should have haloed barrel serials, those made later in the year were salt blued and should not. You just have to "hit the books".
Norm