Randal Gipson in 'THE KRIEGOFF PARABELLUM' on this subject he writes, ' Before the blueing process, certain components of Kriegoff Lugers were flame hardened. This surface hardening was applied to the surfaces which subjected to extreme wear. Those included were the back of the frame where the tang on the rear toggle link strikes during recoil, the frame ramps where the toggle knobs which can them link strikes during recoil, the frame ramps where the toggle knobs strike and the underside of the toggle knobs which can themselves on the ramps. . The hardening areas, when blued over, have a different hue then the rest of the finished pistol. This characteristic can be most readily discerned on the the rear of the frame. In proper light, the spot so hardened will appear as a greasy thumbprint. This trait used to be an inportant deterinant in detecting a reblued pistol. Lately, however, restorers have mastered the art of replacing this hardened spot prior to reblueing.~~~~Randal Gibson, page 51
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