Hi Christian,
I think you've got a really nice Artillery. I have a 1917 DWM in the "k" block, made just before your pistol.
It has some honest finish wear. It looks like it's never been "messed with". The witness mark lines right up.
You do need to give some attention to the rust forming around the base of the rear sight.
Other than cleaning it up, and properly lubricating it, I wouldn't change anything about it if it were mine...
You sound anxious over what you paid for it. Is that buyer's remorse I hear? It passes reasonably quickly with Lugers...
As to using it as a shooter. If it's all matching, and you break one of the numbered parts, it won't be all matching anymore.
If it were me, I'd spend what a refinish job would cost on buying a non-matching shooter.
Some of the best advice I've received:
- Buy the gun, not the story.
- It is what it is.
- Altering anything changes the historic value of the gun.
In any case, enjoy it! It's a great LP-08.
Marc
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