Quote:
Originally Posted by cirelaw
I recently noticed the disparity of wear patterns on or near the toggle. They resemble luger fingerprints each being unique. Would a reblued leave the same result. Can the wear accurately demonstrate basically how much use its been through. Does this aspect affect grading or value?? ~~ Eric
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Eric,
The toggle strike pattern on the rear of the fame is normal use wear, indicative of the pistol having been fired whether the pistol has its original finish or has been reblued. The strength and amount of impact effect can be a result of heavy use, a weak recoil spring (particularly in the case of a .30 caliber pistol rebarreled to 9mm, but without replacement of a proper recoil spring), use of overpowered ammunition such as +P, submachine gun, or NATO military rounds; or a combination of these factors.
The Imperial army was aware of the potential for frame failure from this impact. The 8-inch barrel of the artillery Luger increases the mass of the receiver assembly, which increases the force of the toggle tail against the fame. Production of the LP08 begining in 1914 included strengthening the rear of the frame by removing less material from the interior of the rear frame well, thereby leaving it thicker. This modification is characteristic of all P08 frames by all manufacturers after 1914 (with the exception of DVP new production in the 1950s).
Krieghoff's practice of heat-treating the rear frame impact area drastically reduces the amount of impact marking, which you have clearly illustrated (and many thanks for the excellent example).
By itself, rear frame impact wear has little to no effect on grading or value. It is one of the many things to take note of when considering a Luger's over-all condition.
-Dwight