Solvents and Bakelite Grips

mrerick · 03-12-2012, 10:05 PM

A while back, I purchased a Luger that had been made into a "Black Widow" with addition of a pair of bakelite grips.

Since it left the factory in 1939, it's unlikely that it happened there. One of the grips is a brown type 1, the other a much later black type 4. They both appear genuine period, but were both painted black.

Since the paint on the inside of the grips left a ring about the size of an orange juice can, I doubt they were painted at the factory either...

Thankfully, I found a nice set of correct unnumbered Mauser wood grips for the pistol.

So, my question...

What solvents that might help remove paint will leave bakelite (especially Luger grip bakelite) undamaged?

Thanks, Marc

03-12-2012, 10:05 PM	#1
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,920 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	Solvents and Bakelite Grips A while back, I purchased a Luger that had been made into a "Black Widow" with addition of a pair of bakelite grips. Since it left the factory in 1939, it's unlikely that it happened there. One of the grips is a brown type 1, the other a much later black type 4. They both appear genuine period, but were both painted black. Since the paint on the inside of the grips left a ring about the size of an orange juice can, I doubt they were painted at the factory either... Thankfully, I found a nice set of correct unnumbered Mauser wood grips for the pistol. So, my question... What solvents that might help remove paint will leave bakelite (especially Luger grip bakelite) undamaged? Thanks, Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.