Wilhelm

Oh Boy,


I know I've seen this thread before! I am more into the M1 Garands (Warum? Ich kenne nicht!) and I have a couple good ones, but you ought to see some of those guys go at it, when 'discussing' a 'restoration'.


Seriously, I don't plan to "restore" it and I personally don't care to. If I want a gun that is "original" I'll get one that is documented as such or whatever, otherwise, I like to think that there is an intrinsic value in the mismatches due to the fact that it has more to offer the imagination. This item was used, Where? When? How? By whom? I have an M1D from DCM that is in such 'new' condition, it must have been on display at some base or guard unit, and never seen any action. I have a 30-40 Krag that a soldier bought when he mustered out and eventually sporterized. It is kind of exciting to think that he carried this rifle in battle and then it continued to serve him in peactime for 60 more years.


A friend of mine has an old, rusted-solid Colt SAA from the "Wild West" days. The hammer is at half ****, the loading gate is open, and there are two or three rounds loaded. He bought it from a guy who picked it up near the Sabine River. It is one of his favorite pieces because it really gets his imagination going. Why did the owner drop it at that point? Indians, Banditos, a posse?


I guess my point is that whether it is pristine and all-matching, a mismatched sporter, or a couple pounds of rust each has its niche in history and value in one way or another.


Anyway, sorry to stray so far from the topic (Lugers). I do want to thank the group for the numerous and helpful replies.


Respectfully,


Wilhem