Update : 1914 DWM Artillery luger project, now with Art. bbl.

[DonVoigt]

Thanks Ed.
According to all references I have and have read, only Erfurt had the sight relief cut on all production from 1916/17 through 1918.
DWM continued to produce Art. receivers with the cut, and others without the cut.

In addition, 1914 Artillery luger serial numbers reported have all been from "0" to 1600 or so; and have the triple C/S inspection.

Now the big question is whether or not to have the piece re-finished by one of the genuine experts in finishing that can make it look "right" in rust blue and straw. I'm "worried" about the light strikes on both the left chamber serial number and right chamber inspection markings, I'm "afraid" they will nearly disappear with any surface prep.

I'd be interested in opinions on whether or not to re-finish; it actually does not look too bad as it is- so it will stay that way for at least a while.

It has been suggested that the numbers could be "re-stored" and the barrel even re-numbered; but I have a philosophical or maybe a moral problem with that much restoration.

[kurusu]

To me it deserves a full restoration.

As for moral issues, as long as you don't fool anyone, it's a non issue.

[Eugen]

Don, your new and improved artillery Luger looks like a nice project. As for restoration, I don't know much (although that never stops me from offering my opinion), but I would suggest you do a complete restoration. I mean like the whole enchilada.

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by kurusu

To me it deserves a full restoration.

As for moral issues, as long as you don't fool anyone, it's a non issue.

Kurusu,
Thanks for the comment; the question is not if "I" fool someone, but down the line "someone" will or may try to fool a buyer that does not do his homework using this and other online resources.

If I wanted to fool anyone, I would not have started this thread.

I could always engrave the back of the side plate with the fact, and date of restoration. Perhaps not a bad idea; or some other spot on the "inside", I guess a side plate is too easy to change.