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mrerick · 01-26-2019, 09:50 AM

A quick look at the paragraphs on "Tempering Colors" in this article:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempering_(metallurgy)

will confirm that the straw color (and others, depending on temperature) are the result of stable oxidation of the surface of the steel. These layers are more translucent on strawed steel and can proceed to darker blue with extended and higher temperature treatment.

One objective of such treatment is to prevent later formation of the rust form of iron oxide. I would expect that the tempering for hardness and brittleness of these parts was also necessary to prevent wear during the pistol's service life. Since both results can be achieved in one step this is likely a process advantage.

Did these parts remain tempered on later salt blued Lugers? And as this was likely, why were strawed parts not retained after 1937?

How was the salt bluing of these parts kept matching with the rest of the parts of the Luger that were not tempered?

01-26-2019, 09:50 AM	#10
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,920 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	A quick look at the paragraphs on "Tempering Colors" in this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempering_(metallurgy) will confirm that the straw color (and others, depending on temperature) are the result of stable oxidation of the surface of the steel. These layers are more translucent on strawed steel and can proceed to darker blue with extended and higher temperature treatment. One objective of such treatment is to prevent later formation of the rust form of iron oxide. I would expect that the tempering for hardness and brittleness of these parts was also necessary to prevent wear during the pistol's service life. Since both results can be achieved in one step this is likely a process advantage. Did these parts remain tempered on later salt blued Lugers? And as this was likely, why were strawed parts not retained after 1937? How was the salt bluing of these parts kept matching with the rest of the parts of the Luger that were not tempered? __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.