Doug:
I did as you suggested and used a flashlight to examine the AE under it's light. There is a pronounced rust color or blotchy brownish color under the flat part of the rear toggle link, the toggles themselves, the rear sight area, and along the sides of the front toggle link. The remainder of the gun does seem to demonstrate a brownish hue, but not a distinct as the areas I just described.
I'm not certain what to look for in terms of the "halo" affect around the GERMANY, but it is struck deep enough to seem to produce this affect when viewed from different angles. The serial number on the front of the frame and the one under the barrel are very crisp and deeply struck.
Additionally, I did remove the right grip and looked again at the mag well, which is white or shiny. I am certainly the farthest thing from an expert to determine original finish and hopefully will be able to get to one of the larger gun shows in the near future. If I can, I'll bring the AE with me and have one of the more experienced collectors of Imperial Lugers give it a good ole fashioned firsthand examination. I'm happy with this AE and I guess that's plays a major part in enjoying it's beauty.
When I examine the AE without the aide of a flashlight in normal or natural light the blueing all looks identical to me. If any of you have any other suggestions, or if I can provide additional pictures to show greater detail, please let me know. Thanks again to all of you for your observations and comments.
Best Regards,
Bob
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