First Issue Unaltered SN 130

[Navy]

This piece was discovered at the MAX show.

Detailed description follows.



Standard 6" barrel with right side of front sight block evidencing scattered light pitting and metal erosion. Finish here is worn through in a few places. Remainder of right side of barrel is unremarkable. Even, antique blue finish with the odd pin-point pit here and there. Surface oxidation is visible eliminating need for semi-chrome test.Rear barrel proof is crisply struck and an exact duplicate of the one on the receiver.

Frame rail evidences scattered light pitting and some white metal on corners. Takedown lever shows traces of strawand is properly marked in the commercial style.Two crown M proofs are present; the aft one showing the effects of a some minor corrosion inside the crown. Both proofs are crisp and under the bluing.

Sideplate shows small pitted streak starting at upper third leading edge of the island and continues down to the bottom edge of the sideplate, ending at serial number stamp. Apparently there was some metalurgical problem with this piece to result in such a scar. Under the loupe, it is clearly a long slender pit; to the naked eye, it appears to be a deep scratch. The trigger retains slight cast of strawing, magazine release is unremarkable. Grips are tightly checkered old-style DWM in exc condition but have shrunk slightly causing a less than fully snug fit. Probable cause: storage in lighted case or heated area dehumidifying the wood.

Side panel is unremarkable, rear safety shows traces of straw and is clearly of the First Issue variety with the GESICHERT well struck ABOVE the safety lever and a band of narrow milled white metal beneath.

Bottom examination reveals Crown M and SN struck in the proper place. The Crown M is struck lighter than elsewhere and the left upright of the M is somewhat faint. It is present, but clearly the 'smith did not apply a uniform blow. Such inconsistencies are handmade craftsmanship.

Forward frame reveals SN struck clearly without alphabetic suffix and uniform wear to finish across exterior surface of frame, trigger guard and forward grip strap.Magazine well is unremarkable.

Aft grip strap and grip safety show uniform darkening of finish to blue-brownish and dispersed clusters of microscopic pitting. Surface oxidation is present. The strap is property marked W.K.8536 and the last digit is not properly aligned/centered. Also, the property mark reveals a uniform oxidation inside the stamping and a very slight halo around the exterior of each individual strike. Toggle rear is properly serialed. Top of frame, toggle and rear sight are as expected. Left side exterior reveals nothing out of the ordinary.

Disassembly reveals the cannon lug to be properly serialed and the presence of brown stains from grease on cannon rails. Bolt is serialed as is underside of toggle. Toggle axel has flange on left shank and is fire blued.Trigger SN matches.

Pop the left grip and note presence of pitting and oxidation at wood/metal contact points. Mainspring shows reddish discoloration. Pop right grip, more of same, except some old dried crud comes out of grip screw hole. Probably dried grease.Inside of frame shows oxidation on polished white metal and more of the brown staining. Smell reveals no odor of anything except old gun grease. Bore is dirty and has some visible pitting/darkening. Should clean to VG (+) with some elbow grease. Both grip panels are SN and have what appears to be the so called Flaming Bomb abeam the SN. Have not encountered this before.Both grip screws are uniformly faded fire blue with no wear to slots.

Conclusion: An unmessed with First Issue Unaltered that saw service and has the scars to prove it.

Other Photographs of this 1906 1st Issue Unaltered Navy Luger can be seen in the Member Gallery that is linked from the Lugerforum homepage:

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Tom A. [img]smile.gif[/img]