The oxidation of the old finish is what makes the Mini-Maglite so indespensible as a gunshow tool. Even an old Luger with 98% finish will have oxidation in the finish that is not visible in normal room light, and normally gunshows have terrible light. The Mini-Maglite will shine through the blue and expose the brown oxidation that has formed. A newly blued Luger will not show this oxidation. Shine the light from an angle so that you don't get glare or a reflection, and the results are absolutely scary on what appears to be a near new condition Luger.
I don't know if anyone else here attended the first MAX show which was held in St.Louis. The main exhibit room was lit with little more than twinkle lights. Bob Simpson let a friend of mine take a Luger outside to view it in daylight since the lighting was so bad.
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