Finishes on Lugers

[M R Dutton]

My father is 87 years old and his memory doesn't always work as well as it used to............

He has a small collection of knives and handguns from the WWII era. Included in that collection is a Luger.

The finish on the Luger is either chrome or nickle, I am not sure which.

Someone has told me that no Luger was ever manufactured with a polished finish. I was further told that the guns were plated after the fact by some to make them look fancier. This plating detracts from the collectibility of the weapon, I was told.

Is this the case or is someone pulling my leg. I do have some photos of the Luger (it appears to be a DWM) and can post them if anyone requests.

Thanks.