1917 DWM Artillery Luger Restoration-BAD BAD DOG-YIKES!!

Thor · 07-07-2009, 03:54 PM

A local collector/Luger Shooter got this beauty at a local shop. He got it for $450, but I gets to purty it up! Talk about your "sows ear"!!

Lots of holes in this old gal! Not enough paint/bondo to make her look right! Lots of work! My fingies are sore!!

BEFORE PICS:

Ice · 07-07-2009, 04:41 PM

Thats a lot of pits but at least the proof marks aren't damaged! Thor, a couple of questions if you don't mind. Do you weld/build up any of the really badly pitted surfaces or do you just carefully resurface the metal? Second, is there any chance you could photograph your work on this project as it progresses?

You do beautiful work and it would be a real education to see the progressive steps. I reworked a S&W revolver that had pits like that and know and appreciate the immense labor involved.

Thanks

Charlie

Thor · 07-07-2009, 04:46 PM

The frame and barrelled receiver are already finished. I will try and put a couple of AFTER pics when I get the grips back from Hugh and get it assembled. The ejector was totally toast so I have another one coming from Tom Heller (Lugerdoc) It was nice the acceptance stamps are in good condition.
I dont talk about methods (specifics), sorry, my business policy.

Ice · 07-07-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor

I dont talk about methods (specifics), sorry, my business policy.

I wasn't asking for specifics since I do restorations myself; no need for an apology, I wasn't trying to pry. Will look forward to the after photos.

Charlie

Thor · 07-07-2009, 04:57 PM

Charlie, Because you asked for some progress prints, here is another project that was badly pitted and I did take before, DURING and after pics. A Code 480 P.38

Ron Wood · 07-07-2009, 05:00 PM

Ted,
I am really glad to see you back on an active basis. Your work is masterful and we enjoy seeing the end results. I keep wondering where you find the bondo that you can rust blue?!!!

Ice · 07-07-2009, 05:07 PM

Ted, thank you for the photos of the P38. The surfaces are extremely clean and crisp. It reflects many many hours of hand work to achieve such a fine finish. You certainly deserve the fine reputation that you have. Thanks for the photos.

Charlie

Vlim · 07-07-2009, 05:13 PM

Ted,

The LP08 will make a nice challenge. Please note that the scratch marks on the left and right frame ears are meant to be there. They are always present on 1917 artilleries, at least and on most 1918 ones. I hope you kept them intact

Went Blakely · 07-08-2009, 01:31 AM

Great work, can't wait to see this one all done!

Don M · 07-08-2009, 05:38 PM

Another future silk purse!

Thor · 07-08-2009, 10:00 PM

Got the grips back from Hugh today, great job as usual, nice retention of original color too.

Daddydogg · 07-18-2009, 01:53 PM

For more examples of Thor's restoration work, see forum group "All P08 military Lugers/K date Luger".

Daddydogg

USMC_Spike · 07-19-2009, 04:22 PM

Thor,

Holy smokes. That is amazing. That p-38 look beautiful.

Spike

A.Mifsin · 07-20-2009, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlim

Ted,

The LP08 will make a nice challenge. Please note that the scratch marks on the left and right frame ears are meant to be there. They are always present on 1917 artilleries, at least and on most 1918 ones. I hope you kept them intact

Vlim.
Am I correct to say that those scatch marks are also present on 1917 Navy?
Alf.

Vlim · 07-20-2009, 06:47 AM

Alf,

Good question and I must say I have no idea. I mainly observed them on the arty versions. Will have a look next time when I get the chance to see a bunch of navies

Thor · 08-03-2009, 07:56 PM

Just about finished with this old dawg!
Should be done tomorrow! JUST FUR FUN, so dont take this SIRUS!!!
[work in progress]
Thor’s Lair

The Stygian darkness was shattered by a crashing bolt from the dark clouds rolling in with the midnight storm that swirled about suggesting something even more powerful was trapped within that rolling thunder. The winds, unexpectedly strong, tore a gnarled oak tree from its hold on the earth slamming it into the side of the adjacent mountain crag with a crash that no ear heard, for no one dared to be about in this tempuous battle of the night!!

The thunder furnace was ablaze with molten metal that glared with intense heat at anyone that got their face close enough to peer within. That furnace was purging out all the impurities of the metal swirls by the horrible heat that feed its unsatiable hunger. ............... It was almost time!!!

The furnace, among other machines of metal manipulation were anchored there, deep in the roots of the mountain in a cavern below the roaring winds and clashing flashes of lightening and thunder. They worked at the demand of their master, Thor. These sieges of metal work would pummel, flatten and work the metal to its proper surface, curved surfaces, arcs or flats…………without mercy! Cracks, crevices and holes that festooned the forgotten and abandoned metal that may have been as a result of misuse, or from a spill of warrior’s blood, corrosion from salt water from a sea faring quest or from the sweat of a soldier waiting in trench expecting to be overrun in the next attempt to conquer was to be repaired, rendered, rejuvenated, restored to its original beauty and lines................[oh brother!!!!]

Like EYE SAYEED, A WURK IN progress so dont take this SIRUS!!!

Just a bit of authoric fun for der thorster!

Thanks to all that put up with my wierd stuff! Perhaps that is why I have been in self exile for a while.

Navy · 08-04-2009, 12:30 PM

Yes, the "scratch"marks are present on Navy pistols.
Tom A

Vlim · 08-04-2009, 01:09 PM

Tom,

Interesting, thanks. Whoever was 'in charge' of finishing that part of the pistol in 1917, they must have sacked (or shot) him somewhere in 1918, as it stopped around that period.

Truth is, that in 1917 the production reached it's peak and pistol production was slowed down again in late 1917 due to overproduction issues. The surviving numbers of 1917 pistols and ammunition are a testament to that.

A.Mifsin · 08-04-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlim

Tom,

Interesting, thanks. Whoever was 'in charge' of finishing that part of the pistol in 1917, they must have sacked (or shot) him somewhere in 1918, as it stopped around that period.

Truth is, that in 1917 the production reached it's peak and pistol production was slowed down again in late 1917 due to overproduction issues. The surviving numbers of 1917 pistols and ammunition are a testament to that.

Vlim, so in 1918 what kind of tool marks are visible on a 1918 Luger?
Alf.

Vlim · 08-04-2009, 01:56 PM

Alf,

Basically the normal shallow, slightly buffed, milling marks you see in the other years. No longer the deep, pronounced 45 degree and vertical 'scratch marks' anymore.

07-07-2009, 03:54 PM	#1
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	1917 DWM Artillery Luger Restoration-BAD BAD DOG-YIKES!! A local collector/Luger Shooter got this beauty at a local shop. He got it for $450, but I gets to purty it up! Talk about your "sows ear"!! Lots of holes in this old gal! Not enough paint/bondo to make her look right! Lots of work! My fingies are sore!! BEFORE PICS: __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

07-07-2009, 04:46 PM	#3
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	The frame and barrelled receiver are already finished. I will try and put a couple of AFTER pics when I get the grips back from Hugh and get it assembled. The ejector was totally toast so I have another one coming from Tom Heller (Lugerdoc) It was nice the acceptance stamps are in good condition. I dont talk about methods (specifics), sorry, my business policy. __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

07-07-2009, 04:57 PM	#5
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Charlie, Because you asked for some progress prints, here is another project that was badly pitted and I did take before, DURING and after pics. A Code 480 P.38 __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

07-07-2009, 05:00 PM	#6
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,035 Thanks: 1,106 Thanked 5,242 Times in 1,719 Posts	Ted, I am really glad to see you back on an active basis. Your work is masterful and we enjoy seeing the end results. I keep wondering where you find the bondo that you can rust blue?!!! __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

07-08-2009, 01:31 AM	#9
Went Blakely User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 231 Thanks: 4 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Great work, can't wait to see this one all done! __________________ Went Blakely

07-07-2009, 04:41 PM	#2
Ice User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 552 Thanks: 13 Thanked 69 Times in 57 Posts	Thats a lot of pits but at least the proof marks aren't damaged! Thor, a couple of questions if you don't mind. Do you weld/build up any of the really badly pitted surfaces or do you just carefully resurface the metal? Second, is there any chance you could photograph your work on this project as it progresses? You do beautiful work and it would be a real education to see the progressive steps. I reworked a S&W revolver that had pits like that and know and appreciate the immense labor involved. Thanks Charlie

07-07-2009, 05:07 PM	#7
Ice User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 552 Thanks: 13 Thanked 69 Times in 57 Posts	Ted, thank you for the photos of the P38. The surfaces are extremely clean and crisp. It reflects many many hours of hand work to achieve such a fine finish. You certainly deserve the fine reputation that you have. Thanks for the photos. Charlie

07-07-2009, 05:13 PM	#8
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Ted, The LP08 will make a nice challenge. Please note that the scratch marks on the left and right frame ears are meant to be there. They are always present on 1917 artilleries, at least and on most 1918 ones. I hope you kept them intact

07-08-2009, 05:38 PM	#10
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	Another future silk purse! __________________ Regards, Don donmaus1@aol.com Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com

07-08-2009, 10:00 PM	#11
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Got the grips back from Hugh today, great job as usual, nice retention of original color too. __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

07-18-2009, 01:53 PM	#12
Daddydogg User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 69 Thanks: 35 Thanked 11 Times in 9 Posts	For more examples of Thor's restoration work, see forum group "All P08 military Lugers/K date Luger". Daddydogg

07-19-2009, 04:22 PM	#13
USMC_Spike User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thor, Holy smokes. That is amazing. That p-38 look beautiful. Spike

07-20-2009, 06:47 AM	#15
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Alf, Good question and I must say I have no idea. I mainly observed them on the arty versions. Will have a look next time when I get the chance to see a bunch of navies

08-03-2009, 07:56 PM	#16
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Just about finished with this old dawg! Should be done tomorrow! JUST FUR FUN, so dont take this SIRUS!!! [work in progress] Thor’s Lair The Stygian darkness was shattered by a crashing bolt from the dark clouds rolling in with the midnight storm that swirled about suggesting something even more powerful was trapped within that rolling thunder. The winds, unexpectedly strong, tore a gnarled oak tree from its hold on the earth slamming it into the side of the adjacent mountain crag with a crash that no ear heard, for no one dared to be about in this tempuous battle of the night!! The thunder furnace was ablaze with molten metal that glared with intense heat at anyone that got their face close enough to peer within. That furnace was purging out all the impurities of the metal swirls by the horrible heat that feed its unsatiable hunger. ............... It was almost time!!! The furnace, among other machines of metal manipulation were anchored there, deep in the roots of the mountain in a cavern below the roaring winds and clashing flashes of lightening and thunder. They worked at the demand of their master, Thor. These sieges of metal work would pummel, flatten and work the metal to its proper surface, curved surfaces, arcs or flats…………without mercy! Cracks, crevices and holes that festooned the forgotten and abandoned metal that may have been as a result of misuse, or from a spill of warrior’s blood, corrosion from salt water from a sea faring quest or from the sweat of a soldier waiting in trench expecting to be overrun in the next attempt to conquer was to be repaired, rendered, rejuvenated, restored to its original beauty and lines................[oh brother!!!!] Like EYE SAYEED, A WURK IN progress so dont take this SIRUS!!! Just a bit of authoric fun for der thorster! Thanks to all that put up with my wierd stuff! Perhaps that is why I have been in self exile for a while. __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

08-04-2009, 12:30 PM	#17
Navy RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dc 'burbs in Virginia Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 10 Posts	Yes, the "scratch"marks are present on Navy pistols. Tom A

08-04-2009, 01:09 PM	#18
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Tom, Interesting, thanks. Whoever was 'in charge' of finishing that part of the pistol in 1917, they must have sacked (or shot) him somewhere in 1918, as it stopped around that period. Truth is, that in 1917 the production reached it's peak and pistol production was slowed down again in late 1917 due to overproduction issues. The surviving numbers of 1917 pistols and ammunition are a testament to that.

08-04-2009, 01:56 PM	#20
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Alf, Basically the normal shallow, slightly buffed, milling marks you see in the other years. No longer the deep, pronounced 45 degree and vertical 'scratch marks' anymore.