Halaloya!!!! I have been vindicated on the forum and I truely feel like i have created a very valuable lesson for my fellow Luger collectors in the lesson book which I shall call 'Luger University for Collectors and Keepers (LUCK).
In the old Lugerforum a long, long time ago, I was heavily chastised and received numerous emails regarding a VERY heated topic that I started regarding, the then recent, German imports of 1970's copies of Mauser commemorative navy Luger toggles. I created more than a few enemies and I had to walk around with my tail between my legs for a long time. Man, I really should take John Sabatos advice and keep this civil. But I was deeply hurt and that hurt has never gone away.
At that time, a well known restorer asked for the address of the German importers so that he could purchase some. I vehimately protested as loud as I could both on the old forum and in email. I felt that this restorer was in a position, as a reportibly excellent restorer, to CREATE many 'new' navy Lugers. This all was before Ron Woods posted his OUTSTANDING display of original vs repro navy toggles. To the best of my knowlege, this restorer has never created a 'new' navy Luger. Also, to the best of my knowlege, he is an excellent restorer. I have never tried him or seen any of his work.
But, sadly, it seems that my doomsday predictions of long ago have come true. Some sleaze bags out there have produced expensive 'new' navy Lugers and the practice has apparently become widespread. The only defense that I can see is this and Jan Stills extremely valuable websites. Read both sites, post book marks on your computer and read and then read some more. The seller of the toggle here may not have been trying to cheat anyone. He just may not have known about his toggle. He may have sought 'expert' advice from someone who gave him a 'quicky' reply based on the adjustible part of that sight. After all, the adjustible part of his sight does look original. Lets cut him some slack and give him the benefit of the doubt.
I sincerely hope that I have done some good here and saved my fellow Luger collectors a lot of money.
Big Norm
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