Barrel markings

CHARLESL · 04-07-2009, 12:08 PM

I have an original blued s/42 1937 Luger that obviously someone
had his social security number lightly stenciled on the left side receiver of the pistol. It did not scratch or harm the underlying metal just the finish. My Question is which is worse . To have a professional
try to restore the barrel or leave it alone. The numbers definitely take away from the pistol but I don't want to make it worse. If there is anyone who does this type of work i would like to have it done if they think it is worthwile . any opinions would be greatly appreciated
Thank You
Chuck Lobrano

Edward Tinker · 04-07-2009, 12:21 PM

Chuck, the finish is the metal, so if it is etched, it is etched into the barrel itself, albeit lightly done. I have owned two guns like this, one was light, the other pretty deep.

To take it off will require sanding and then rebluing of that spot. I have heard several folks can do it (not counting Ted, as he no longer takes work??); both I have met have the "reputation" of doing work for dealers who then sell it as original.

Point is, anything can be done, but it just takes time and money and true originality will be lost...

Ed

CHARLESL · 04-07-2009, 02:01 PM

Thanks Ed

I have no intentions of selling the pistol but just wondered if my pistol could be just made to look esthetically better. Bottom line the markings just bother me and as for the originallity the social security numbers certainly eliminated that . What did you do with the ones that were lightly scratched?? I do want to thank the forum and your advice to use them to buy Lugers . I have purchased both a kDate and Krieghoff since being on the forum. thanks for the help and if you do know somewhere that I can find someone that might help it would be appreciated
Thanks Chuck Lobrano

04-07-2009, 12:08 PM	#1
CHARLESL User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Long Beach Mississippi Posts: 42 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Barrel markings I have an original blued s/42 1937 Luger that obviously someone had his social security number lightly stenciled on the left side receiver of the pistol. It did not scratch or harm the underlying metal just the finish. My Question is which is worse . To have a professional try to restore the barrel or leave it alone. The numbers definitely take away from the pistol but I don't want to make it worse. If there is anyone who does this type of work i would like to have it done if they think it is worthwile . any opinions would be greatly appreciated Thank You Chuck Lobrano

04-07-2009, 12:21 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	Chuck, the finish is the metal, so if it is etched, it is etched into the barrel itself, albeit lightly done. I have owned two guns like this, one was light, the other pretty deep. To take it off will require sanding and then rebluing of that spot. I have heard several folks can do it (not counting Ted, as he no longer takes work??); both I have met have the "reputation" of doing work for dealers who then sell it as original. Point is, anything can be done, but it just takes time and money and true originality will be lost... Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-07-2009, 02:01 PM	#3
CHARLESL User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Long Beach Mississippi Posts: 42 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Barrel markings Thanks Ed I have no intentions of selling the pistol but just wondered if my pistol could be just made to look esthetically better. Bottom line the markings just bother me and as for the originallity the social security numbers certainly eliminated that . What did you do with the ones that were lightly scratched?? I do want to thank the forum and your advice to use them to buy Lugers . I have purchased both a kDate and Krieghoff since being on the forum. thanks for the help and if you do know somewhere that I can find someone that might help it would be appreciated Thanks Chuck Lobrano