Grading lugers

In my collecting years, I have determined that original blue by weight must be one of the most valuable substances in existance, especially Colt original blue. Let us look at issued Single Action Armies. Assuming all matching numbers and no modifications, a martial SAA with no finish is worth approx. $3500. 20% original finish, approx. $6000, 50% original finish approx. $12,000, 75% original finish approx. $25,000, 95% approx. $40,000. 99%.....You tell me. My numbers may not be right on the button, but you get the picture. Those incremental percentages of finish, especially in the high percentage numbers are VERY valuable. In my experience this formula applies to all collector guns including Lugers. The more desirable the piece, the more valuable the original finish. These dollar numbers grow very large when discussing Paterson or Walker Colts or Henry Rifles and the only people who don't care about original finish are non-collector shooters.


My speciality is old style Lugers(dished toggles), and I am completely turned off to a refinished example. I would rather pass on a refinished rare example and wait for an original example even at a much higher price. These price deferentials make it imperative that a Luger collector develop the expertise to discern original from refinished examples so as not to be defrauded. Not all dealers will return your money for making a dumb mistake.


Ciao,


Bill S. (ALFA2NINE@aol.com)