authenticating s\42 1936
 

Hello folks: I was wondering if anyone has any pointers that could help in authenticating s\42 1936. If anybody could describe how to tell whether original finish or not.I have aquired several books that describe proof marks & such. I am paying top dollar for near mint cond. & wanted to know what to check. I live in Largo Fl. is their anybody that could help with visual inspection.What are the perameters for mint & near mint cond.
I am a new member & would like to say this forum is a great idea for a virgin collecter. I would like to thank those responsable. Brad

A wise man once said "nothing difficult is ever easy"
Capt. Beagler

Brad: I live in Treasure Island, Fl. I'll try to help. E-mail me @ pvolmar1@tampabay.rr.com and I will give you telephone #. Pete

Brad,
Knowing how to spot original finish on Lugers requires years of looking at many original and refinished guns.

But there are some basic pointers for spotting poorly refinished guns. Sharp edges will be rounded, strawed parts will be blued, pits will be blued over, proofs will be very light & blurry, etc. I recommend looking under the grips, which is a common place for pitting. If there is hidden pitting that has been blued over, the gun has been refinished.

Its always better to ask opinions of many different people than to rely on just one expert (especially if the expert is the dealer you are buying all of your guns from!)

Good luck & keep looking at as many Lugers as you can.
Brad Simpson

Good to hear from you Brad, welcome. If I only could get the patent on the "True or False Luger Lotion" potion. Apply a small amount by Q tip to an unnoticeable area and wait for it to turn a shade between red for stop and green for go. Even with that it would probaly be pinkish lime with my luck.

RK