unethical parts switcher needs #54 sideplate.

[lugerholsterrepair]

I couldn't help but to laugh out loud at the reply given by Marney Walsh to Wayne Heckert. Both of these Gentlemen have their points but geeze guys, it's a national pastime for Luger collectors to mix and match, looking for that elusive numbered part. I am aware there are two types of collectors and I have to admit I have a 1940 Mauser that is in need of #54 sideplate and I can shout to the World that when I find it I will put it on this pistol and it will be the better for it. No. I am not trying to hoodwink the collecting fraturnity but it does not have a sideplate at present and I am hopeing that this pistol will someday be complete. Would I better serve the Luger collectors by putting a mismatched sideplate on it? I don't know. Nothing is as it started out and I have to say Marney Walsh said it pretty well in general. As most of you know I repair Luger Holsters. I repair them pretty much so that no one can tell the repair has been made and I do not mark them in any way. Does that make me a forger? No, in my opinion that makes me a holster repairman.Holsters have been repaired over the years with everything from bent over nails to epoxy glue and most people want to bring them back to what they once were. I don't think every little change in the condition of a piece is with the intent to defraud and decieve for big profits. Yes there are people who do this but the average guy who wants to match a sideplate is not one of these henious forgers. So a matching sideplate adds $200. to the value. I got news for you. Taking the time and trouble to search out and buy a matching sideplate is probably worth the extra money. It's an original part and might even be the one that came off of it! Some were numbered on the inside and some were not. Now ,there is an interprising fellow in Germany who will sell you a sideplate numbered to your pistol with the correct die. That, is fraud and deception. My 2 cents worth...Jerry Burney