Simson "sneak" re-work?

Evil_Ed · 08-05-2006, 11:48 PM

Is there any definitive way I can tell if I managed to score myself a Simson sneak re-work?

Reason I ask...the shop I bought the piece in had received it not more than an hour earlier (talk about being lucky in stopping off at the proper time), and when I asked about it, I was told "It might have been refinished...which is why there's no date on the barrel hood, or maker's mark on the toggle; it looks like they were buffed out."

However, the serial numbers were there (including the one on the breech block, where the maker's mark would be), as were the proofs, which made me wonder. All the serial numbers seemed to match up, even though it appears they were either re-stamped, or stamped again in a different spot (I found different numbers on the bottom, underside, etc of things when I disassembled it). The magazine didn't match, but the price they were asking for it, I figured it for a shooter/bang-around Luger, and not a safe queen. The serial number itself is XX81U. All the pieces are marked 81, except the barrel, which is marked 81U (to match the frame)...and there's one other part that I can only see as being marked as 86, but in a different font? That same number (86) is also stamped on a bunch of other parts, in a different font as well, hence my total confusion at this point.

Another reason I didn't totally buy the re-finished theory was that the straw looked somewhat worn, and the safety marking still had a minute, but visible, amount of white paint in it (a bit darker with age and whatnot, but you can still tell it was painted). If someone was going to refinish it, there'd be no trace of paint, and the straw would have probably been redone. I think. As you're probably guessing, I'm new to this

It wasn't until I broke out the "Lugers At Random" book I have here and started to decipher things, where I kind of got a little..excited, I guess. Unfortunatly I don't have a copy of Mr. Still's book available

I don't have photos; it's night out, and I dont' have any decent lighting to do so. I'll get some tomorrow. However -

Visually, proof-wise, it checks out identically to the photo on page 241 of the book. It has an eagle-6, a WAA66, and another eagle on the barrel, all on the right side. Left side, there's an eagle on the breech block. The barrel is not nitro proofed. All the numbers APPEAR to match, but again..as it looks like there was some re-stamping, I can't be totally sure

But, according to the description about parts possibly being re-numbered in a different lettering style and such..well, you can see how an imagination can run rampant.

There's a more-or-less-normal chip/missing sliver of wood on the left side grip panel under the safety; at least I know someone other than me took off that grip panel.

As you can imagine...if it IS a Simson re-work, I'd be quite excited. If it turns out to be a total mixmaster, well, then the primary purpose of purchasing it (as a shooter) would be fulfilled, and I'll still be very happy with it.

So..is there any real way to tell if it's a Simson, or just some humped up piece, or..?

Thanks so much for your help!!

I'll try to get photos and post them ASAP tomorrow. One of these days I'll need to invest in a good close-up lens...

Edited to add: It DOES have the sear safety on it, as well as the stock lug.

08-05-2006, 11:48 PM	#1
Evil_Ed User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 42 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Simson "sneak" re-work? Is there any definitive way I can tell if I managed to score myself a Simson sneak re-work? Reason I ask...the shop I bought the piece in had received it not more than an hour earlier (talk about being lucky in stopping off at the proper time), and when I asked about it, I was told "It might have been refinished...which is why there's no date on the barrel hood, or maker's mark on the toggle; it looks like they were buffed out." However, the serial numbers were there (including the one on the breech block, where the maker's mark would be), as were the proofs, which made me wonder. All the serial numbers seemed to match up, even though it appears they were either re-stamped, or stamped again in a different spot (I found different numbers on the bottom, underside, etc of things when I disassembled it). The magazine didn't match, but the price they were asking for it, I figured it for a shooter/bang-around Luger, and not a safe queen. The serial number itself is XX81U. All the pieces are marked 81, except the barrel, which is marked 81U (to match the frame)...and there's one other part that I can only see as being marked as 86, but in a different font? That same number (86) is also stamped on a bunch of other parts, in a different font as well, hence my total confusion at this point. Another reason I didn't totally buy the re-finished theory was that the straw looked somewhat worn, and the safety marking still had a minute, but visible, amount of white paint in it (a bit darker with age and whatnot, but you can still tell it was painted). If someone was going to refinish it, there'd be no trace of paint, and the straw would have probably been redone. I think. As you're probably guessing, I'm new to this It wasn't until I broke out the "Lugers At Random" book I have here and started to decipher things, where I kind of got a little..excited, I guess. Unfortunatly I don't have a copy of Mr. Still's book available I don't have photos; it's night out, and I dont' have any decent lighting to do so. I'll get some tomorrow. However - Visually, proof-wise, it checks out identically to the photo on page 241 of the book. It has an eagle-6, a WAA66, and another eagle on the barrel, all on the right side. Left side, there's an eagle on the breech block. The barrel is not nitro proofed. All the numbers APPEAR to match, but again..as it looks like there was some re-stamping, I can't be totally sure But, according to the description about parts possibly being re-numbered in a different lettering style and such..well, you can see how an imagination can run rampant. There's a more-or-less-normal chip/missing sliver of wood on the left side grip panel under the safety; at least I know someone other than me took off that grip panel. As you can imagine...if it IS a Simson re-work, I'd be quite excited. If it turns out to be a total mixmaster, well, then the primary purpose of purchasing it (as a shooter) would be fulfilled, and I'll still be very happy with it. So..is there any real way to tell if it's a Simson, or just some humped up piece, or..? Thanks so much for your help!! I'll try to get photos and post them ASAP tomorrow. One of these days I'll need to invest in a good close-up lens... Edited to add: It DOES have the sear safety on it, as well as the stock lug.