Hi to all! First of all, thanks for the kind words and votes of confidence from my Luger forum family!
Good news from the hobbit workshop... Pin has been replaced and top half is back on its way home! I had an original pin that was used, and it fit great!
Getting the remnant out, was as previously thought to be, difficult indeed! Went thru two Starrett punches...
but we won out eventually!... Best to all, til....lat'r.....GT...