Hey, thanks to you both for a prompt reply.
"Lugers at Random" Page 134 states "Several have been noted with the royal crest removed, apparently done after the Republic of Portugal was formed."
I don't know what "several" means in this context, but since about 5,000 were reported to have been made, I'd guessing quite a few were defaced. Having said that, I've only learned of one other.
Anyway, if you go to
http://gallery.mac.com/petergalloway#100013, you will be able to view quite a few photos taken of this piece.
As I said, I'm not disputing the originality of this as there seems an inapporpriate amount of wear for it's age, but I'd appreciate your comments anyway.
If I'm gong to relegate it to a "shooter", I'd sure like to know ahead of time I'm doing the right thing.
Best...