1914/1920 DWM....What to do???

fayrcroft · 08-08-2005, 08:03 PM

Just picked up a very nice, all matching double date from a fellow who says he purchased it from the vet who brought it home...I have no reason not to believe him....I have known him for some time. He says the vet packed it away in Germany during WWII and when he hit the docks at home in NYC, traded 2 packs of cigarettes to some fellows to have it nickel plated.....which it still is. Shows some wear here and there, but certainly looks like a very good, old plate job. Front grip strap marked "P. Fr. 195" Came with a beautiful 1941 marked holster, two wood bottom, unmarked clips and a tool marked byf 41. I paid $650 for the whole rig...maybe too much.... Now my questions.....

1. I think restoring it to factory (stripping the plating and re-bluing/strawing) is what I'd like to do. Thor and Bill Adair have great websites. Any thoughts on the pros/cons to restoring this gun?? I assume the gun's value is very low in it's current state.

2. Does the "cigarettes for trade" story sound plausible?...just curious.

3. Can't figure out all of the grip strap markings....any ideas?

Thanks!!

08-08-2005, 08:03 PM	#1
fayrcroft New User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1914/1920 DWM....What to do??? Just picked up a very nice, all matching double date from a fellow who says he purchased it from the vet who brought it home...I have no reason not to believe him....I have known him for some time. He says the vet packed it away in Germany during WWII and when he hit the docks at home in NYC, traded 2 packs of cigarettes to some fellows to have it nickel plated.....which it still is. Shows some wear here and there, but certainly looks like a very good, old plate job. Front grip strap marked "P. Fr. 195" Came with a beautiful 1941 marked holster, two wood bottom, unmarked clips and a tool marked byf 41. I paid $650 for the whole rig...maybe too much.... Now my questions..... 1. I think restoring it to factory (stripping the plating and re-bluing/strawing) is what I'd like to do. Thor and Bill Adair have great websites. Any thoughts on the pros/cons to restoring this gun?? I assume the gun's value is very low in it's current state. 2. Does the "cigarettes for trade" story sound plausible?...just curious. 3. Can't figure out all of the grip strap markings....any ideas? Thanks!!