All,
T0 the unwashed, unread and uninformed dolts that feel compelled to accept any dealer's assertion of authenticity and want to throw rocks at several renowned scholars who are * not selling anything *, I would strongly suggest you:
a. Invest about $1500 or so in the books that are currently in print in English, French and Italian.
b. Read them. If you do not read French or Italian as a native language, you will be able to figure much of it out. If you can't, get out of Luger collecting NOW as you will be chum for unscrupulous dealers. For the rest, buy a Technical Dictionary. A garden variety language dictionary will not work.
c. Take the time to learn who are the researchers and published authorities. Granted, they are not ALWAYS correct on every issue, but they probably have a much better track record than "Smiling Sam, Your Luger Man" or whoever is trying to peddle some iron. Respect these guys; they have invested a hell of a lot of "sweat equity" in their works and have tried to get it right. The literature has grown substantially in the last 25 years or so, largely through the work of one or two hard working people who fronted the effort and the not unsubstantial cash required to publish. (Thank God for Fred Datig, Harry Jones, John Walter, Charlie Kenyon, Jan Stills, and Sam Costanzo).
d. Ask questions politely. Many of the true experts in this field are besieged with questions from neophytes that put an end to the old adage that there are no dumb questions...there ARE dumb questions. They come from dumb people who are too lazy, parsimonious or uninformed to do the basic research! Don't insult people by asking of expert advisors about basics! And for Gawdsakes, don't argue with them if you don't understand the dimensions of the issue. If you don't know what a Revisions Commission stamp is, don't bother Jan Stills with a question, just DO YOUR FRIGGIN" HOMEWORK!!.
To me,a trained historian and former Army ., tis is a very satisfying hobby.I feel a bond between these wonderful artifacts of warriors long gone bye. Study your history; READ,READ, READ and go to every museum and show you can find. Oh, don't forget to join NAPCA along the way.
My Zwei pfennigs
Tom A.
Tom A. <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" /> <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />