Original or reblued?
 

I have read the sticky of original or re-blued and still wonder what everyone thinks, buy an original with all its wear or a re-blued one that is much prettier. I have always believed that restoring or re-bluing affected the collectability of the piece, whether its a car or Luger. If it is between the two at the same price point, I would buy the untouched original, that's just me.

What would you do??:confused:

I think each collector sets their own standards.

It's alway a good topic to discuss, but I expect that every collector will have their own opinion.

Poorly refinished guns are kind of sad looking.
Replacing a barrel is common, but cold bluing spots ruins a gun.
DDR/VOPO guns can be a mess or they can be lovely (for example the Thalmann's)

Personally, I don't have any problem with a professional restored gun.
I have one that Gail Morgan restored and he was meticulous in his work.

It's also a budget issue for most small time collectors, like me.

Vlim nailed it for me. "Nobody should reblue Lugers."

I am absolutely against absolutes and never is so final
If a Luger had the bluing worn off from holster wear and then rusted
Does one attempt to restore or just shrug - this 100 year old piece of fine machinery is irretrievably ruined.
Look at the pictures of some of the restorations that Ted did
I think quality restoration for damaged pieces is a good thing

Does that make them original - no it makes them restored, but I am OK with that
Is original more valuable than restored - absolutely
Is restored more valuable than a sad mess - I think yes

My opinion is different from yours Peteyboy, but it would be a boring World if we all thought the same.

Collectors most highy value Lugers as close to their original factory state as possible.

i have only done restoration on a rare Simson Luger that had been improperly refinished.

But many people like firearms to look nice, in spite of having gone through one or two wars as service weapons. When you own it, you can do what you want with it. Luger collectors will devalue a firearm with replaced parts (even with matched numbers) and destruction of the original finish.

I'm generally of the opinion that 10% original finish is better than a 100% reblue. But that's just me.

It’s only original once.

It is your pistol, what do you prefer?

I tend toward the shooting side of things not the 'collecting'...if I can't shoot it, I don't have it, no welfare guns, they all work.

I am also not saving things for the next generation but appreciate those that do...so, if I want to blue something I'll blue it.

I appreciate sharing all your points of view. That said, I decided to purchase an all original, vet bring back 1939 42. The price point was about the same as a re-blued one. It's not a safe queen but it has a lot character, mostly holster time, being a 84 year old pistol and survived the war. As Bill said it is only original once. I will most likely keep it that way.