East German loading tool

[G.T.]

Hi Alf, I probably should have made that a bit more clear, I will try to explain how the Luger tools differ from side to side throughout production... I will call on my good friend Sam Buscemi to correct me if my steel terminology is incorrect.. But here goes, as far as i can tell by studying the tools closely over the years, they start out as a sheet, coil, or ribbon of flat or straightened cold rolled steel of the correct thickness, probably low carbon steel so the material is easy on tools & dies, and is also easily formed.. Next the sheet steel is run thru a punch press so that the basic overall shape and tool uniformity is maintained, in short they are punched out at a very rapid rate and this is what gives the tool the different textures and radius on each edge and the top and bottom sides.. meaning that the sheet will have (could have) different texture on each side, and the radiused edge will show from which side they were punched.. I am not sure when they punch or machine in the hole, or form the bent end, but either one of these operations would dedicate the tool to a certain side being top, or bottom from that point forth.... The rest of the secondary operations are performed, machined lengthwise slot, screw driver tip, hole lip, etc. and the tool gets a short heat treat of some kind, (or none!) and it's off to the tumbler and phosphating bath... They were made really fast, again by probably the same guy from the start... and he had good days and bad days...same as me! I hope this helps answer your question...Best to you, til...lat'r....GT