1912 Erfurt Luger

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by Mauser720

You can see there is no agreement on whether your pistol has been refinished. On the underside of the barrel, back by the receiver, you will see the serial number. And then below that you will see the number "8,82" which is the distance in millimeters between the lands in the rifling inside the barrel. This barrel gauge measurement is always more lightly struck than the serial number, and it is one of the first casualties when a gun has been refinished. In your example, it looks sharp and it also has the "halo" around it. So this is some evidence to consider too.

Another casualty on Erfurt Lugers which have been refinished is the proof mark on the trigger plate/side plate. This one looks fine to me.

All true only if the refinishing included buffing. If the pistol is just stripped and then dipped without buffing, the marks will remain clear.

Another tipoff to buffing is rounding of sharp edges, particularly on the toggle edges (where the maker logo is) and the axle pivot hole. Also the frame ears; for some reason, buffers love to smooth out the tool marks here...

I would be suspicious of the number of straight scratches, possibly under the blueing...indicating sanding...No Luger should have sanding scratches...(right side of frame under rail; rear of frame under ears)...just mill cutter marks...