1937 S/42

Big Norm · 06-01-2001, 12:29 PM

Bill,

You are absolutely right! But honesty is the best policy. I recently bought a 1916 Navy from a guy from "GUNLIST" magazine who told me that he could not tell if it was redone. If it was it was an old restoration. I too could not tell. I showed it to a few other luger collectors and they could not tell either. But I kept the gun because the guy was honest, the price was right and I liked the gun.

I once bought a 1914 Erfurt artillery that had been stored in a holser in an attic for 40 years. It had light freckling rust all over the outside surface. I removed the rust and found no pitting but all the outside bluing was history. I agonized at having it restored for years. Finally, I gave in and had a professional (Ken Karsted) restore it. Ken did a great job and the gun looks beautiful. The word is that it looks "too perfect".

But Kreighoffs play with my brain. I have four of them (1936, 1937, 1943 and a 'P' code w/side insript) and can not tell if they have been altered. Ralph Shattuck says no. Doug Smith (F.G.S.) says yes. Luger collector fiends of mine say no. So I say keep them as original. If I ever sell them I honestly hope that I do not cheat anybody.

Big Norm

06-01-2001, 12:29 PM	#16
Big Norm RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 1,864 Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Re: 1937 S/42 Bill, You are absolutely right! But honesty is the best policy. I recently bought a 1916 Navy from a guy from "GUNLIST" magazine who told me that he could not tell if it was redone. If it was it was an old restoration. I too could not tell. I showed it to a few other luger collectors and they could not tell either. But I kept the gun because the guy was honest, the price was right and I liked the gun. I once bought a 1914 Erfurt artillery that had been stored in a holser in an attic for 40 years. It had light freckling rust all over the outside surface. I removed the rust and found no pitting but all the outside bluing was history. I agonized at having it restored for years. Finally, I gave in and had a professional (Ken Karsted) restore it. Ken did a great job and the gun looks beautiful. The word is that it looks "too perfect". But Kreighoffs play with my brain. I have four of them (1936, 1937, 1943 and a 'P' code w/side insript) and can not tell if they have been altered. Ralph Shattuck says no. Doug Smith (F.G.S.) says yes. Luger collector fiends of mine say no. So I say keep them as original. If I ever sell them I honestly hope that I do not cheat anybody. Big Norm