Link to the gun Clay metnions :
Note the left side of the wooden magazine bottom has what looks like some scriptic "K" carved into the wood, as well.
http://www.rockislandauction.com/auc...hp?LotNum=1793
Clay,
The RIA auction has been known to be the "dumping ground" for boosted lugers some of the most-busy folks in this business. Since their reputations amongst collectors are well known now, these boosters are now moving merchandise through such 3rd. party means as a way to keep their sales lively.
This A&F may well be an original piece...but I suspect it is, at a minimum, refinished with a "look" I have seen on many, many guns coming out of our colder climates.
It is also possible this piece started life as a 1920's grip-safety commerical in the "i" series (i.e. with a blank chamber). and was never originally an A&F luger.
Many active agents for boosting shops will throw big money at gun shows trying to buy such a 1920's commecial. You start with a donor gun that runs $ 1500 or $ 2000, add a Swiss cross on the chamber and barrel stampings, refinish it, and then try to pass it off for $ 7500 or more as a A&F luger.
Photos from the RIA site :
