k-dated S/42

[Marvin]

Hello Johnny,


You have a really good question and I will try to give you what my thinking is for the salt blue.


The pistol is an East German rework with the work being done by an authorized (ha, ha) Government in a Government arsenal. I considere this to be a variation rather than the dip blue given to Lugers by the Russians to "pretty" them up for just resale.


The "K" Date is in really nice condition and all matching, except they did no type metal work on the pistol prior to rebluing it. What I wanted Ted to do is to remove the existing blue, polish the metal a little to bring it back reasonably close to original and reblue using salt bluing. This will make the pistol look better, but retain the appearance of the East German rework. If I put it back to original condition with rust blue and straw parts, the East German stamps and the Crown/N proof would look a little funny.


Now, the only drawback to what I am thinking about, is that it would not be a true East German rework anymore either. A tough decision on my part????


The big decision is what will this pistol be classified as in the future, a shooter only, another distinct variation with possible collectibility status, or a highly collectible pistol? As we know, the value will indeed rise just from inflation, but am I making the right decision or not. I do have to wait a number of months before making the final decision to rework or not. What is your opinion of the future of these pistol, as I value your, and others, opinion greatly.


Marvin