Side Plate Luger

[anchor24]

If the side plate is a different color than the rest of the gun, and the number matches, what can be the reason the color doesn't match?
For example, is the metal different? Is the bluing method different on the small parts? Or can the side plate have been replaced with a same number side plate?
The store that is selling the gun is the Yankee Armorer, inventory number 4621. That will show the different color side plate:

gun. http://usgunexchange.com/dimages/or_7478.JPG

Thank you for all of your help look forward to hearing from you guys.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by anchor24

For example, is the metal different? Is the bluing method different on the small parts? Or can the side plate have been replaced with a same number side plate?

A possible yes to all. Also the side plate may have oxidized differently ['patina'] than the other parts. Or it may be from a different manufacturer that used slightly different chemicals for bluing, or slightly different steel composition, etc.

Or it may be a more modern part that has been 'force matched'.

I think that basically, you nailed it.

Edit: The 'plum' coloring has been the subject of discussion here many times. Try a Search for 'plum' for some interesting theories.

Lines on the pic look sharp, so probably not reblued. Minor holster wear, grip screws not bunged. Safety lever looks almost new. Very slight wear where lever travels. If it's a re-blue, it's dipped without excessive buffing. Grips appear to have minimal wear, if any. Barrel appears in better condition than frame. VoPo refurb maybe?

Looks good. No way [for me anyway] to tell manufacturer.

Ah, here we go - direct link to pistol -

http://usgunexchange.com/products.cfm?tbl=21&id=1565

Mauser S/42, chamber looks like 1936. Plum extractor also. Haloes on toggle would bear a closer look. Price [$2,295] seems kind of high.

[anchor24]

thank u

[sheepherder]

Wait, don't leave!

There'll be more replies as soon as the Westerners get up!

And my pic uploads failed first time around.

[LU1900]

Contact with holster too .

[Mac Cat]

I'm an amateur collector, but I can say I don't like the look of the plum coloring, regardless of the explanation. Also, the photos are not good enough to make a purchase decision. Side plates often have a different color or hue, which as been explained as different metal and machining. But, from what I have seen, they are lighter, more or less gray, not plum.

If you decide to buy the gun, make sure you have time to have it inspected by an expert and the option to return it in reasonable time. If you have a Luger expert in mind, see about having the gun shipped to that person directly for assessment.

Just my 2 cents.

Luger's can be difficult to photograph and lighting can change everything. it may not even look plum in sunlight, but I'm not crazy about the photos. I like to see high resolution photos that you can blow up to examine various parts, features, and proof marks.

How would you feel about finding "Made in Germany" stamp under the upper section ? I have seen that and some people feel that hurts the value.

I'm not familiar with this particular company or web site, either.

[Edward Tinker]

The Made in Germany would only be on one that was new made, mid 20's-30's. After that it would be an importer mark (post 1968 usually)

[SteveM]

If it is a 1936 it should be rust blued and have strawed small parts unless it was reblued. Beats me how some sellers can ignore one of the biggest part of a description and that woud be the date.