Discretionary Blueing

Sergio Natali · 04-11-2014, 03:05 AM

Alvin,

QUOTE:
... the finish of 1920s was not on the same level of 1900s. As you mentioned, 1920s was an era craftsmanship still being important. One natural question, why did finish quality drop//. That observation is not limited to DWM, Mauser was same. Post WWI Bolos were well made, much better finished than wartime, "Red 9", but in average, they are not at the same finish level of those made in 1900s. Supposedly, they were made by same group of people. What happened? Attitude on life changed, culture changed, market changed, or process changed? Something changed....
UNQUOTE

Many Mod 1900 Lugers made by DWM for Switzerland can still be admired in their pristine conditions, then they were made in years of peace and for the Swiss Army.
Lugers made during the WWII are a different story I think, altough he Germans were extremely strict on standards, and the quality of fit on their "Black Widows" was still outstandingly good, undoubtedly times were a lot different from 1900, so more than culture or attitude of life what made a difference I think was in the first place the historical period.

My 2 cents

danielsand · 04-11-2014, 04:06 PM

I'll offer my unsolicited opinion here.

During the wars, it's understandable that the finish went down. Factories were under big pressure from the government to deliver the maximmum production in limited time. Demand was very high. After the war, the modern, capitalist mindset came in. Corporate bigwigs realized that they can put more units out, and sell them for the same profit, even if they shorten the process, and produce 'less perfect" merchandise. This change was not limited to firearms. ALL goods that were delivered to the market, started to be manufactured with as much "corner cutting" as possible, and still retain the customer base.

So we are left with what we have today. "Disposable goods". Merchandise that is built with time and care, costs accordingly, and MOST of the public is conditioned to buy the "new stuff" all the time. That's when China stepped in, and started to produce EVERYTHING disposable, and dirt cheap. Western manufacturers had to adapt, produce cheaper goods, and the quality in almost everything, is not there any more.

Just MY unsolicited opinion.

04-11-2014, 03:05 AM	#1
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Alvin, QUOTE: ... the finish of 1920s was not on the same level of 1900s. As you mentioned, 1920s was an era craftsmanship still being important. One natural question, why did finish quality drop//. That observation is not limited to DWM, Mauser was same. Post WWI Bolos were well made, much better finished than wartime, "Red 9", but in average, they are not at the same finish level of those made in 1900s. Supposedly, they were made by same group of people. What happened? Attitude on life changed, culture changed, market changed, or process changed? Something changed.... UNQUOTE Many Mod 1900 Lugers made by DWM for Switzerland can still be admired in their pristine conditions, then they were made in years of peace and for the Swiss Army. Lugers made during the WWII are a different story I think, altough he Germans were extremely strict on standards, and the quality of fit on their "Black Widows" was still outstandingly good, undoubtedly times were a lot different from 1900, so more than culture or attitude of life what made a difference I think was in the first place the historical period. My 2 cents __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

04-11-2014, 04:06 PM	#2
danielsand User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: SoCal Posts: 137 Thanks: 52 Thanked 100 Times in 43 Posts	I'll offer my unsolicited opinion here. During the wars, it's understandable that the finish went down. Factories were under big pressure from the government to deliver the maximmum production in limited time. Demand was very high. After the war, the modern, capitalist mindset came in. Corporate bigwigs realized that they can put more units out, and sell them for the same profit, even if they shorten the process, and produce 'less perfect" merchandise. This change was not limited to firearms. ALL goods that were delivered to the market, started to be manufactured with as much "corner cutting" as possible, and still retain the customer base. So we are left with what we have today. "Disposable goods". Merchandise that is built with time and care, costs accordingly, and MOST of the public is conditioned to buy the "new stuff" all the time. That's when China stepped in, and started to produce EVERYTHING disposable, and dirt cheap. Western manufacturers had to adapt, produce cheaper goods, and the quality in almost everything, is not there any more. Just MY unsolicited opinion.