When is a restoration worth it?

[Edward Tinker]

I agree with Tom.


However, once, reblued, restored or "made better", all original finish is gone. I have seen guns that had a slight blemish and the owner had it "restored" fixed.


to me, all collector value is gone (unless as stated above, it is a rare or unusual variation). but I'd rather have a 50% gun than a reblue. Plus many reblues are done poorly by amateurs.

Even with a proper restore (and then you are talking about $400-$1000; all depending on who does the "restore") will the value rise significantly, or will you now be happy with a "pretty gun"?


and my 2 cents; I have met many collectors who will grab a "pretty gun" over a well used one. Given the choice i will take a much nicer one too, but many, many buyers who don't know lugers will take a pretty one over a correct one any day....

Ed