BCC

You may or may not remember that I raised this question on the forum about 2 to 3 years ago. We discussed the same references you have cited and I supose cam to no conclusion...at least I have not. I have noted in 30+ years of looking at Lugers, the pre-30's examples tend to show less outright blue wear on the side plates and left muzzel areas than most of the Mauser examples I have seen (even pre-mid 37 examples). Could this be attributed to the use of salt blue on all Mausers? What other explanition can one offer? On the other hand, I have an early 1936, S/42 with a beautiful irridesant (sp?) BLUE finish (absolutly original). This is even more apparent when viewed in a strong light. I always thought that the rust blue was more blue (like this 36) and the salt blue tended to be "blacker"...Ted you are the finish expert, help us out here.