Two questions

[tservo]

One: How does one trace the history of a Luger? Specifically, is there a way to cross-reference the serial number to some dusty register that indicates what unit/when it was issued?

Two: Many of the magazines I've seen in pictures on this board and on other websites seem to be very bright, almost like they are polished. The magazine I have is the same dark blue color as the rest of the gun, though still with a wooded bottom. Is it simply a matter of age and patina or were there certain years that had polished mags?

For the record, I have a 1917 DWM, SN 5971 h

Thanks!

-Aaron