Franzite-bottom Sports,Inc Magazine

[runscott]

A little research shows that my Franzite magazine bottom was made between 1930-60. Were these magazine bottoms replacements for the wood bottoms on original mags, or did Sports,Inc sell the entire magazine?

I know the spring needs to be replaced, but not sure if the lips are bad, and not sure how much additional work I want to put into this magazine if it's not original. It came with a 1918 Erfurt.

Will upload pics in a sec.

[DonVoigt]

I would not put any effort into the mag.
I believe the lips are pretty much shot.
Be careful of the Franzite base, it is likely quite brittle after these many years; the grips are for sure and likely has "shrunk" some too.

I've had a couple sets of Franzite luger grips that are now 1/4" too short, from shrinkage of the plastic. Unfortunately they have not shrunk enough to be used on a "baby" luger.

[runscott]

Okay, thanks. I'll put the bad magazine away and if I ever end up with another one with a bad spring, I'll order a couple and see what happens. If it turns out that someone here tells me that the metal magazine is period to my gun, I'll consider working on it.

[G.T.]

Hi runscott, Don is correct in that it's not worth much, as anything put into it, will not be realized in future speculation. As it will not be collectible after repair, either condition wise or as a desirable antique?
But, it does have some value as a shooter mag, and an example of type, if it is repaired as best we can, with what we got! I can restore it to its proper dimensions and also install a new made walnut bottom, (made by me and my elves!) and also a replacement follower spring as well... I do this for the members on the forum and also for my old age fun! I will do all for $40.00 which includes return postage... let me know at: gctomeks@msn.com if you are interested... You'll end up with a period correct shooter mag.. but that's better than nothing?.. best to all, til….lat'r....GT

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by runscott

Okay, thanks. I'll put the bad magazine away and if I ever end up with another one with a bad spring, I'll order a couple and see what happens. If it turns out that someone here tells me that the metal magazine is period to my gun, I'll consider working on it.

Definitely Not period to the pistol.

[runscott]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

Definitely Not period to the pistol.

What is it about the metal part of the magazine that makes it "not period to the pistol?"

I'm asking because I'm trying to learn so I won't buy any modern magazines that have been made to look old - I would like to own a WWI Luger magazine at some point. Comparing mine to my mec-gar mag, the metal part looks very different. Comparing mine to the ones I'm seeing sold as authentic on eBay, here (one recently sold to a magazine expert on the forum),GB, etc, the metal part of mine seems to have all the same exact features. What am I missing?

Thanks!

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by runscott

What is it about the metal part of the magazine that makes it "not period to the pistol?"

I'm asking because I'm trying to learn so I won't buy any modern magazines that have been made to look old - I would like to own a WWI Luger magazine at some point. Comparing mine to my mec-gar mag, the metal part looks very different. Comparing mine to the ones I'm seeing sold as authentic on eBay, here (one recently sold to a magazine expert on the forum),GB, etc, the metal part of mine seems to have all the same exact features. What am I missing?

Thanks!

Short answer is "experience". You really have to handle and look at a lot of magazines from all periods, mfgs., both original and aftermarket.

Some points are: the crude construction in general, lips are minimal and thin, ugly cut outs for the base, shape of the mag catch notch, marks in the metal from forming, color/lack of finish of the magazine body, shape of the stake marks.

GT could probably add to the list.

[runscott]

Thanks G.T. I already have two Mec-Gar mags that work, so if this one isn't worth anything it doesn't make sense to fix it. On the other hand, if you believe the actual metal mag is period to the gun, then I will have the work done.

It all comes down to whether or not the metal mag (not the base) is wwi period.

[HerrKaiser]

I, and I can only assume many others here, can attest to G.T.'s work on magazines. You cannot go wrong having him restore that magazine for you.

[runscott]

gotcha - thanks.