Luke:
Thank you for the corroberation re: the nitre/fire blued front sights. I have received a copy of the Man-at-Arms article, however, have not hade time to read it fully.
I dug out my notebook; the reference to finish of the small parts, to include the front sight, can be found in the MaBtafeln (table of dimensions for the P08) which were promogated in 1913. (The captial "B" represents a germanic letter that I cannot reproduce on this keyboard. I believe that it represents the double ss consanant.) FWIW, my note also indicates the the lettering in the safety area, Gesichert, is required to be filled in with white sealing paint.
Tom: As you know, fire blue is not a durable finish. It wears easyly and has a tendency to turn a brownish color. However, if you check the front sight on your Imperials under a good light you should be able to see remnants of the original finish.
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