Artwork by a Master

Ron Wood · 12-12-2005, 06:23 PM

I received a package Saturday from Forum member G.T. (Gerry Tomek), and I was bowled over! One of the finest craftsmen I have ever known has created these magazine bottoms that are of fine jewelry quality. They are exhibition grade French walnut, the same as he uses for the work he does for John Martz, and have ivory inlays. I had given G.T. a piece of scrap ivory a while back and asked someday if he would make some mag bottoms for a little project of mine. Someday has arrived and they are magnificent!

More than 20 years ago I started to make a Ã¢??babyÃ¢?Â Luger from a box of parts I bought from Ron Peterson in Albuquerque.

I have shortened the grip and added a web in the frame to convert it to coil spring...and one other major modification that I will let you figure out.

I am pretty sure that G.T. has produced such wonderful mag bottoms to goad me into completing the project. Since it is a long frame/receiver, I have been dragging my feet in getting a custom short barrel made in 9mm with the long thread shank. I guess it is time to turn it over to the pros to finish, because I canÃ¢??t wait another 20 years to get it done!

Thanks a million G.T.

Heinz · 12-12-2005, 06:38 PM

Beautiful Ron. You should get GT to furnish a magazine spring also. They do not show but in their own way they are as outstanding as his magazine bottoms. He would have to clip it a touch though.

policeluger · 12-12-2005, 07:30 PM

Gt's work leaves me near speechless, just outstanding...the major modification you did not tells us about...would that be an internal barrel

Ron Wood · 12-12-2005, 07:38 PM

Howard,
No barrel yet...need that part to finish it

. The modification is visible in the second picture of the Luger.

ken d · 12-12-2005, 08:10 PM

Ron:

Great piece of work.... 06/08 breech block and extractor??

Regards Ken D

lugerholsterrepair · 12-12-2005, 08:30 PM

Ron, A truly elegant combination! GT does fantastic work. I must get up to Phoenix someday and meet the fellow. Jerry Burney

Ron Wood · 12-12-2005, 08:32 PM

Ken,
You win the cigar! Figured if I was going to go with the coil spring I might as well add an '06 breechblock.

Dwight Gruber · 12-13-2005, 01:11 AM

Ron,

So -thats- how you have been spending your time. Didn't know that "landscaping" was code-talk for "gunsmithing". Very nice piece it is, too--the 1900 toggle and the custom grips are very classy.

I guessed the 1906 breechblock before I read through to Ken's post, but he got there first...

Of course, what I need now are the frame and original receiver serial# (if you still have the barrel) for my database

--Dwight

Ron Wood · 12-13-2005, 02:54 AM

Ah, Dwight, it truly is a parts bin Luger and I wish I had the original guns it represents. The frame is #9507 (1900 style with toggle lock detent and GERMANY marked under the serial number), and the trigger and rear toggle link are marked 07. The receiver is a 1900 American Eagle. The recoil lug is #261 and there is a "flaming bomb" just forward of the lug. Not a Test Eagle since the test pieces have only a 2-digit number on the lug, but the 3-digits have me baffled, since all my other American Eagles also only have 2 digits. The side plate and takedown are numbered 26 (not 61 so they don't match the receiver).

When I found the receiver, it had a Lahti type barrel, but it wasn't a Lahti. It was a thin "pencil" type barrel in .30 caliber about 5" long with a hexagonal profile next to the receiver like a Lahti. It was only screwed in hand tight. Really an odd piece. All in all a real "story book" Luger.

Dwight Gruber · 12-13-2005, 04:30 AM

Ron,

Regarding the 3-digit lug number, my 1900AE #13499 has the last three digits stamped on the recoil lug, sideplate, rear toggle, and breechblock (two digits everywhere else, grips not numbered and may not be original...).

Is this a 1906 receiver, or did you need to relieve it for the 1906 extractor? ...and it looks like the breechblock may have part of a BUG proof set, did the extractor come with it, and is it GELADEN or LOADED?

GERMANY stamped on the frame? This will be interesting, as 9506 is an AE, 9508 is a Commercial.

--Dwight

Rod WMG · 12-13-2005, 06:30 AM

I'm late getting in on this, but it is, as everyone has said, beautiful. I too am particularly taken with the grips.

Ron Smith · 12-13-2005, 09:06 AM

Ron,
Hurry up and get the barrel. Dying to see it finished. What a classey looking little Luger. The grips are outstanding.

Other Ron

Edward Tinker · 12-13-2005, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rod WMG
I'm late getting in on this, but it is, as everyone has said, beautiful. I too am particularly taken with the grips.

yes, I think so too !!

Ed

Frank · 12-13-2005, 10:36 AM

Ron, great looking Baby, so far!! Anxious to see the finished product. I'm sure you are too!!! Keep us posted!

Ron Wood · 12-13-2005, 01:10 PM

Dwight,
The breechblock is Crown/N marked and it has the original GELADEN extractor that was with it when I got it. I suspect that the frame, like the receiver, is a 1900 American Eagle, but I have no way of knowing for sure. It would be highly unlikely that it is a non-AE frame with the GERMANY export stamp on it. You have already figured out that the receiver is a 1900 (I also edited my earlier post to add the Ã¢??1900Ã¢?Â). The receiver retains the radius in front of the breechblock and is not dished out like the New Model receiver. I just cut a relief in the receiver to accommodate the later extractor.

To the rest of you guys, thanks for the kind words. The baby has been in its current configuration for nearly 20 years, so I guess it is time I get on the ball and finish it.

Dwight Gruber · 12-13-2005, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ron Wood
It would be highly unlikely that it is a non-AE frame with the GERMANY export stamp on it.

Actually, I have data for quite a few 1900 Commercials with GERMANY stamps on the frame. They trend toward the 4000 serial range, and all have BUG proofs.

Interestingly, #9508 is just such an example.

--Dwight

mauro · 12-13-2005, 03:51 PM

Really beautiful grips and magazine bottoms!!!
Well done..
Mauro

G.T. · 12-14-2005, 11:00 AM

Thanks Ron and all for the kind words... I hope this baby is up and running soon! it's a unique & beautiful pistol.... Best to all! til....lat'r....GT

Lugerdoc · 12-15-2005, 10:50 AM

Ron, I may have THE correct barrel for your project baby. Please check your PMs. Tom

Ron Wood · 12-18-2005, 02:28 AM

Tom,
I checked my PMs. I tried to reply but your mailbox is full. I'll try again later. Thanks. Ron

12-12-2005, 07:38 PM	#4
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 5,241 Times in 1,719 Posts	Howard, No barrel yet...need that part to finish it . The modification is visible in the second picture of the Luger. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

12-12-2005, 08:30 PM	#6
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,775 Thanks: 4,995 Thanked 3,132 Times in 1,439 Posts	Ron, A truly elegant combination! GT does fantastic work. I must get up to Phoenix someday and meet the fellow. Jerry Burney __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

12-12-2005, 08:32 PM	#7
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 5,241 Times in 1,719 Posts	Ken, You win the cigar! Figured if I was going to go with the coil spring I might as well add an '06 breechblock. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

12-13-2005, 09:06 AM	#12
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Ron, Hurry up and get the barrel. Dying to see it finished. What a classey looking little Luger. The grips are outstanding. Other Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

12-13-2005, 01:10 PM	#15
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 5,241 Times in 1,719 Posts	Dwight, The breechblock is Crown/N marked and it has the original GELADEN extractor that was with it when I got it. I suspect that the frame, like the receiver, is a 1900 American Eagle, but I have no way of knowing for sure. It would be highly unlikely that it is a non-AE frame with the GERMANY export stamp on it. You have already figured out that the receiver is a 1900 (I also edited my earlier post to add the Ã¢??1900Ã¢?Â). The receiver retains the radius in front of the breechblock and is not dished out like the New Model receiver. I just cut a relief in the receiver to accommodate the later extractor. To the rest of you guys, thanks for the kind words. The baby has been in its current configuration for nearly 20 years, so I guess it is time I get on the ball and finish it. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

12-12-2005, 06:23 PM	#1
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 5,241 Times in 1,719 Posts	Artwork by a Master I received a package Saturday from Forum member G.T. (Gerry Tomek), and I was bowled over! One of the finest craftsmen I have ever known has created these magazine bottoms that are of fine jewelry quality. They are exhibition grade French walnut, the same as he uses for the work he does for John Martz, and have ivory inlays. I had given G.T. a piece of scrap ivory a while back and asked someday if he would make some mag bottoms for a little project of mine. Someday has arrived and they are magnificent! More than 20 years ago I started to make a Ã¢??babyÃ¢?Â Luger from a box of parts I bought from Ron Peterson in Albuquerque. I have shortened the grip and added a web in the frame to convert it to coil spring...and one other major modification that I will let you figure out. I am pretty sure that G.T. has produced such wonderful mag bottoms to goad me into completing the project. Since it is a long frame/receiver, I have been dragging my feet in getting a custom short barrel made in 9mm with the long thread shank. I guess it is time to turn it over to the pros to finish, because I canÃ¢??t wait another 20 years to get it done! Thanks a million G.T. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

12-12-2005, 06:38 PM	#2
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 411 Times in 180 Posts	Beautiful Ron. You should get GT to furnish a magazine spring also. They do not show but in their own way they are as outstanding as his magazine bottoms. He would have to clip it a touch though.

12-12-2005, 07:30 PM	#3
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	Gt's work leaves me near speechless, just outstanding...the major modification you did not tells us about...would that be an internal barrel

12-12-2005, 08:10 PM	#5
ken d Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: louisville ky Posts: 277 Thanks: 31 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts	Ron: Great piece of work.... 06/08 breech block and extractor?? Regards Ken D

12-13-2005, 01:11 AM	#8
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Ron, So -thats- how you have been spending your time. Didn't know that "landscaping" was code-talk for "gunsmithing". Very nice piece it is, too--the 1900 toggle and the custom grips are very classy. I guessed the 1906 breechblock before I read through to Ken's post, but he got there first... Of course, what I need now are the frame and original receiver serial# (if you still have the barrel) for my database --Dwight

12-13-2005, 02:54 AM	#9
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 5,241 Times in 1,719 Posts	Ah, Dwight, it truly is a parts bin Luger and I wish I had the original guns it represents. The frame is #9507 (1900 style with toggle lock detent and GERMANY marked under the serial number), and the trigger and rear toggle link are marked 07. The receiver is a 1900 American Eagle. The recoil lug is #261 and there is a "flaming bomb" just forward of the lug. Not a Test Eagle since the test pieces have only a 2-digit number on the lug, but the 3-digits have me baffled, since all my other American Eagles also only have 2 digits. The side plate and takedown are numbered 26 (not 61 so they don't match the receiver). When I found the receiver, it had a Lahti type barrel, but it wasn't a Lahti. It was a thin "pencil" type barrel in .30 caliber about 5" long with a hexagonal profile next to the receiver like a Lahti. It was only screwed in hand tight. Really an odd piece. All in all a real "story book" Luger. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

12-13-2005, 04:30 AM	#10
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Ron, Regarding the 3-digit lug number, my 1900AE #13499 has the last three digits stamped on the recoil lug, sideplate, rear toggle, and breechblock (two digits everywhere else, grips not numbered and may not be original...). Is this a 1906 receiver, or did you need to relieve it for the 1906 extractor? ...and it looks like the breechblock may have part of a BUG proof set, did the extractor come with it, and is it GELADEN or LOADED? GERMANY stamped on the frame? This will be interesting, as 9506 is an AE, 9508 is a Commercial. --Dwight

12-13-2005, 06:30 AM	#11
Rod WMG User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Edge of Texas Posts: 514 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm late getting in on this, but it is, as everyone has said, beautiful. I too am particularly taken with the grips.

12-13-2005, 10:36 AM	#14
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 164 Times in 87 Posts	Ron, great looking Baby, so far!! Anxious to see the finished product. I'm sure you are too!!! Keep us posted!

12-13-2005, 03:51 PM	#17
mauro FIREARM HISTORIAN AND AUT Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Belgium Posts: 1,535 Thanks: 106 Thanked 350 Times in 129 Posts	Really beautiful grips and magazine bottoms!!! Well done.. Mauro __________________ Mauro Baudino - www.lugerlp08.com www.paul-mauser-archive.com Mauser Company and Firearm Historian - Mauser Parabellum Certification Service.

12-14-2005, 11:00 AM	#18
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,522 Thanks: 1,321 Thanked 3,706 Times in 1,011 Posts	Thanks Ron and all for the kind words... I hope this baby is up and running soon! it's a unique & beautiful pistol.... Best to all! til....lat'r....GT

12-15-2005, 10:50 AM	#19
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	Ron, I may have THE correct barrel for your project baby. Please check your PMs. Tom __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

12-18-2005, 02:28 AM	#20
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 5,241 Times in 1,719 Posts	Tom, I checked my PMs. I tried to reply but your mailbox is full. I'll try again later. Thanks. Ron __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction