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John D. · 07-04-2002, 05:22 PM

Hi Jimbo...

Actually - it's a terrific question... Overall, the quality of polishing (before bluing) and blue were comparatively higher from Krieghoff then from other manufacturers (military production). However, from the late serial 1942 military contract period on (with the exception of the 1944 production, which is interesting for its own reasons), even HK polish and bluing degenerated a bit. In latter years, it's not uncommon to find a reddish hue to some HK examples. Mr. Gibson theorizes that either HK was trying to extend the life of the chemicals (scarcity), or the baths were not a temperature, or even perhaps that the time of immersion could have been varied. I'm not sure anyone really knows for sure.

For overall finish, many believe that the early military contract and early commercials (early "P-Codes") offer a bit higher standard and consistency, however.

Hope this helps!

07-04-2002, 05:22 PM	#2
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 471 Thanked 513 Times in 127 Posts	Hi Jimbo... Actually - it's a terrific question... Overall, the quality of polishing (before bluing) and blue were comparatively higher from Krieghoff then from other manufacturers (military production). However, from the late serial 1942 military contract period on (with the exception of the 1944 production, which is interesting for its own reasons), even HK polish and bluing degenerated a bit. In latter years, it's not uncommon to find a reddish hue to some HK examples. Mr. Gibson theorizes that either HK was trying to extend the life of the chemicals (scarcity), or the baths were not a temperature, or even perhaps that the time of immersion could have been varied. I'm not sure anyone really knows for sure. For overall finish, many believe that the early military contract and early commercials (early "P-Codes") offer a bit higher standard and consistency, however. Hope this helps!