restoring markings, proofs?

nukem556 · 07-18-2010, 08:51 PM

hi...newbie here...hope i'm not overposting.....I've got a 1936 chamber date VOPO gun that i'd like to make a handsome shooter out of...rust blue, new grips, ect..the 3 eagles.waffenamts, whatever theyre called on the right side of the extension are weak....can they be restamped? anyone have the stamps? I don't think it's an ethical issue, as I'm certainly not trying to fake a rare gun (heck, the middle toggle piece is a crown over Erfurt...WWI? )

mrerick · 07-18-2010, 09:29 PM

It's possible that the original dies have been saved... But...

The issues you'll deal with are that your pistol is a mix of parts from different guns and different eras. Nothing will change the fine details that tell a collector that. The VoPo armorers were expedient mechanical wizards dealing with used guns and parts that were available.

If it has import marks you cannot legally remove them.

Doing the work you're considering would probably end up costing the value of a collectible gun anyway. And you'd still have a mix of parts that didn't leave the factory together.

Even without seeing pictures I'd suggest that a better approach would be to buy an all matching Luger that has already been refinished. Proper refinishing costs several hundred dollars. Improper refinishing isn't worth any cost. Keep this one to shoot and have fun with.

<I stand corrected about my thoughts on touching up proof marks...>

Marc

Thor · 07-19-2010, 01:41 PM

I use Brian Powley Engravers for all my proof touchups! His website is at http://www.powleyengraving.com/

John Sabato · 07-20-2010, 08:22 AM

Nice of you to share that information Ted...

07-18-2010, 08:51 PM	#1
nukem556 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 625 Thanks: 35 Thanked 168 Times in 107 Posts	restoring markings, proofs? hi...newbie here...hope i'm not overposting.....I've got a 1936 chamber date VOPO gun that i'd like to make a handsome shooter out of...rust blue, new grips, ect..the 3 eagles.waffenamts, whatever theyre called on the right side of the extension are weak....can they be restamped? anyone have the stamps? I don't think it's an ethical issue, as I'm certainly not trying to fake a rare gun (heck, the middle toggle piece is a crown over Erfurt...WWI? )

07-18-2010, 09:29 PM	#2
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,920 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	It's possible that the original dies have been saved... But... The issues you'll deal with are that your pistol is a mix of parts from different guns and different eras. Nothing will change the fine details that tell a collector that. The VoPo armorers were expedient mechanical wizards dealing with used guns and parts that were available. If it has import marks you cannot legally remove them. Doing the work you're considering would probably end up costing the value of a collectible gun anyway. And you'd still have a mix of parts that didn't leave the factory together. Even without seeing pictures I'd suggest that a better approach would be to buy an all matching Luger that has already been refinished. Proper refinishing costs several hundred dollars. Improper refinishing isn't worth any cost. Keep this one to shoot and have fun with. <I stand corrected about my thoughts on touching up proof marks...> Marc Last edited by mrerick; 07-20-2010 at 09:08 AM. Reason: Retract thoughts on touching up proof marks.

07-19-2010, 01:41 PM	#3
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	I use Brian Powley Engravers for all my proof touchups! His website is at http://www.powleyengraving.com/ __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

07-20-2010, 08:22 AM	#4
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,156 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	Nice of you to share that information Ted... __________________ 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..."*