[Ron Smith]

Mark,

This noted collector that you mention has misinformed you. Look carefully at the characteristics of the metal preparation of your Luger.

Note the softened edges of the side plate and the front of the trigger guard. Also note the fine striations/scratches in the metal surfaces. These are indications of the use of either a wire wheel or course sandpaper, or both. These are not found on a factory finished Luger.

The metal should be satin smooth, and all edges should be crisp and sharp. The blue shows minimal wear, which is highly unusual for a pistol that is 75+ years old.

The small parts, trigger, saftey lever, take down lever are blued. The first production Lugers with blued small parts weren't produced until the Spring of 1937. They would be "Strawed" (gold tinted) on a pre 1937 production Luger.

The unit mark, as I said is a Reichswehr Army unit mark. The Army never issued or used long barreled pistols, outside of the Artillery Luger which has an 8" barrel, and were produced from 1914 thru 1918. Sometimes the hard facts are disappointing, but they are the facts.

As for Jan Still's books. They are highly prized and sought after, which in turn promotes the high prices. Much of the content of those books was provided by collectors who are members of this forum, and Jan Still's Central Powers Pistols forum.

Tuition to Luger U. can be very expensive. We have all learned costly lessons, and have learned from them. We would be doing you further dis-service by perpetuating this pistol's authenticity.

Ron