Martin

I find it amazing that such an astute group of Luger collectors seem to be completely unfamiliar with the history and background of nickeled German weapons. Most of the information I have gathered on these weapons comes from the long out of print reference, â??Adorned, Decorated and Engraved Lugers of Germany,â? by Reinhardt Goethe, volumes I, II and III. Lugers were exclusively provided with a rust blued finish until shortly after World War I until the approximate date of February, 1923. At this time an American importer, whose name is still undetermined, inquired of the factory if the Luger could be supplied in any non-standard finishes. Apparently there had been some requests for such customized Lugers from a number of affluent American customers who were interested in purchasing them. At this time none of the German manufacturers who were busily churning out Lugers for export were technologically prepared to offer such services. Economic conditions in Germany were such that all manufacturing efforts were dedicated to mass production of guns in an effort to earn foreign exchange credits. However, a Munich manufacturer, Heinz Kaufman Et Cie, who had been a wartime contractor producing small springs and screws for various military needs, was informed of the need for special finishes for Lugers, and Herr Kaufman then contacted DWM, offering to nickel plate and engrave guns on a contract basis. Unfortunately, the limited space here precludes my going into great detail, but the Goethe volumes document many of these special export pieces. Later chapters deal with presentation Lugers manufactured by Mauser for various officials of the Hitler regime, and there are many fine photographs of the admirable craftsmanship produced by Kaufman. Volume III also deals with many examples of nickeled Lugers produced by three other companies, and documents whenever possible serial numbers and some agencies and even individuals who received them. If there is any interest, I will supply more information in later posts.