Doc, I would like to correct a sentence in your post above where you state "Albert states unequivically that "pristine" 1900 test lugers have to be restored because they received hard wear by use in the field...". According to the number of surviving US Test Lugers (let's say 200-300 pieces, but refer to Ron's table), the number of 'pristine' US Test Lugers probably accounts today for 2-3 pistols which are in 'closet' collections, and I do not even have one. Let me say that I consider 'pristine' condition about 98%, and I reckon that the average condition of a surviving US Test Luger is about 85% condition (or less).
I would like you to imagine this story, and then you tell me afterwards what are the chances of a US Test Luger maintaining 98%+ condition. About 106 years ago, a bunch of Lugers were shipped to the US and upon arrival they were delivered to various units around the country. These officers made sure that they were handled very carefully during the trails and even went as far as wiping down the pistols with rags after (excessive) use so there would be no chance of corrosion. To prevent wear on the finish (including the high edges and around the muzzle), they limited the use of inserting the pistols into a holster. When they decided that US Army was not going to adopt the Luger, they made sure to wipe down thoroughly each pistol before they packed them away in pistol pouches which were then placed in crates/boxes for storage for the next 6-7 years. When they decided to sell the quantity of pistols to Bannerman, they told the dealer that these pistols were 'curios & relics'. When each pistol was sold, the new owner took the same measures to perserve the pistol because he wanted to keep the pistol as new as possible.
Now, if you believe this comic story, I would suggest you drop your Luger hobby and look for another area of collecting. In conclusion, when you examine a Luger (especially a test Luger or a military Luger) that is to good to believe, there is a strong chance that it could be restored. As I repeat a thousand times to my friends, look for patina and consistency of the finish (including machine marks) on any pre-war pistol - these details MUST exist if you want to sleep with satisfaction during the night.
For example, I had the privilage in 1998 to examine a M1900 Presentation Luger in a case that was given to Prince Franz Joseph of Austria before he became king. That Luger I considered as pristine, however, I did notice signs that the pistol had been handled and fired - I even saw patina on the crown of the muzzle caused by the corrosive gun powder used in the early 1900's. Everything on the pistol, including the case, had consistency across the board. If you can grasp what I am trying to explain, you will learn well and fast as well as limit your financial loses in your hobby/investment. If a collector wants to buy a restored pistol, that is his personal choice and decision, but the biggest disappointment occurs when he expects to buy a genuine piece which turns out to be wrong. Maybe some wealthy collectors do not give a damn because they believe that money is power, but it can come back and bite them in the ass when they discover the truth.
Albert
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