need help stripping a 1912 Erfurt for re-finish

sheepherder · 10-26-2013, 01:30 PM

I am mildly surprised that no one has suggested that your Luger may be a Russian capture/VoPo Luger that was exported to (or more likely through) GB and received the British proofs there. A Search here will reveal instances of a 'tar-like' coating applied to these Lugers, and various methods of removal.

I would go with the crushed walnut shell blasting, or crushed corncobs, as a non-destructive method of removing the coating.

An alternative would be to entrust the Luger refinishing to an established restorer. Gerald Tomek on this forum is highly recommended by many members here for this refinishing.

sthomp · 10-26-2013, 02:11 PM

Postino...funny you should mention that...GT is my mole. We live a few miles apart and I'm leaning heavily on him for advice and guidance. We are taking this slowly and trying the least invasive/destructive methods first. Interesting possibility about RC or VOPO connection prior to UK. Clearly more "discovery" is in order.
Dave...Yes, I very much agree with the historical considerations...it is definitely part of the history of this gun. It's a fine line between leaving it as it is and taking it back to the original configuration of just the rust blue finish. If it had been in better condition and more "collectable" instead of just being a shooter that might have been the better option.
I will post our progress. Steve

10-26-2013, 01:30 PM	#1
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,208 Thanks: 1,425 Thanked 4,474 Times in 2,343 Posts	I am mildly surprised that no one has suggested that your Luger may be a Russian capture/VoPo Luger that was exported to (or more likely through) GB and received the British proofs there. A Search here will reveal instances of a 'tar-like' coating applied to these Lugers, and various methods of removal. I would go with the crushed walnut shell blasting, or crushed corncobs, as a non-destructive method of removing the coating. An alternative would be to entrust the Luger refinishing to an established restorer. Gerald Tomek on this forum is highly recommended by many members here for this refinishing. __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-26-2013, 02:11 PM	#2
sthomp User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 50 Thanks: 2 Thanked 26 Times in 12 Posts	Postino...funny you should mention that...GT is my mole. We live a few miles apart and I'm leaning heavily on him for advice and guidance. We are taking this slowly and trying the least invasive/destructive methods first. Interesting possibility about RC or VOPO connection prior to UK. Clearly more "discovery" is in order. Dave...Yes, I very much agree with the historical considerations...it is definitely part of the history of this gun. It's a fine line between leaving it as it is and taking it back to the original configuration of just the rust blue finish. If it had been in better condition and more "collectable" instead of just being a shooter that might have been the better option. I will post our progress. Steve