S42 Navy luger: genuine or not?

John Sabato · 04-22-2009, 11:43 AM

TOM A IS our resident Navy expert, has seen and owned more Navy Lugers than anyone I have known.

...and he has declared the pistol to be righteous... and worth the asking price... If I had the money available, the gun would already be in a shipping container headed my way.

The blue finish looks in excellent condition to these old eyes, and the finish appears to be typical Mauser quality for the 1938 timeframe...

Tom Whiteman · 04-22-2009, 02:50 PM

Just saw this posting and since it is my luger I will attempt to answer some of the comments. As people have emailed me, I have told them that I'm fairly sure that it is original finish. But I have also said that if you buy it and are not completely satisfied I always allow a 3 day inspection with NO problem on returning the gun. I want buyer to be completely satisfied.
I have compared to other finishes I have and as I said it looks all correct except for the straps that look a little duller than others. Some mentioned that perhaps an "old redone" luger? I would not argue that except to say I really cant tell.
The other issue I would throw out there is that the Property marking is more faint than others I have encountered. However, I do not believe the property mark is faked. So.... a real Navy is my conclusion that I believe to be original finish, but would not argue with those who disagree. I picked it up fairly inexpensive and thought I was offering as such. Definately not trying to pull something over on anyone. Thanks for looking.

WW2collector · 04-22-2009, 04:01 PM

Tom, thank you for you reply. Obviously not an issue with your character, as you come a knowledgeable and highly recommended dealer.

LugerVern · 04-22-2009, 06:25 PM

Trying to analyze a 98% gun using modern high resolution pictures can lead to some errors. I know" been there done that".
Ironically the glare from the nice finish causes most of the problem. This gun needs to be looked at in hand, as do all 98%+ guns and the seller offers that option.

What would I look for with the gun in hand, the use of touch up cold bluing a long time ago.

I see no evidence that this gun has been refinished and think it is a good buy.

Vern

04-22-2009, 11:43 AM	#1
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,156 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,309 Times in 1,098 Posts	TOM A IS our resident Navy expert, has seen and owned more Navy Lugers than anyone I have known. ...and he has declared the pistol to be righteous... and worth the asking price... If I had the money available, the gun would already be in a shipping container headed my way. The blue finish looks in excellent condition to these old eyes, and the finish appears to be typical Mauser quality for the 1938 timeframe... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-22-2009, 02:50 PM	#2
Tom Whiteman User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phila, PA Posts: 72 Thanks: 0 Thanked 34 Times in 4 Posts	Just saw this posting and since it is my luger I will attempt to answer some of the comments. As people have emailed me, I have told them that I'm fairly sure that it is original finish. But I have also said that if you buy it and are not completely satisfied I always allow a 3 day inspection with NO problem on returning the gun. I want buyer to be completely satisfied. I have compared to other finishes I have and as I said it looks all correct except for the straps that look a little duller than others. Some mentioned that perhaps an "old redone" luger? I would not argue that except to say I really cant tell. The other issue I would throw out there is that the Property marking is more faint than others I have encountered. However, I do not believe the property mark is faked. So.... a real Navy is my conclusion that I believe to be original finish, but would not argue with those who disagree. I picked it up fairly inexpensive and thought I was offering as such. Definately not trying to pull something over on anyone. Thanks for looking.

04-22-2009, 04:01 PM	#3
WW2collector User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NY State Posts: 24 Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tom, thank you for you reply. Obviously not an issue with your character, as you come a knowledgeable and highly recommended dealer.

04-22-2009, 06:25 PM	#4
LugerVern User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 563 Thanks: 1 Thanked 34 Times in 27 Posts	Trying to analyze a 98% gun using modern high resolution pictures can lead to some errors. I know" been there done that". Ironically the glare from the nice finish causes most of the problem. This gun needs to be looked at in hand, as do all 98%+ guns and the seller offers that option. What would I look for with the gun in hand, the use of touch up cold bluing a long time ago. I see no evidence that this gun has been refinished and think it is a good buy. Vern