Faked, refinished and boosted Lugers.

Big Norm · 06-07-2002, 04:31 AM

I have a real hard time with faked Lugers. The subject makes my blood boil. On the last forum there was a discussion about 1904 navies and I learned a lot about them as a result. I ended up not purchasing one and saved myself a lot of money. This money was later used to buy a 1900 DWM Borchardt that I am very happy with. So I totally agree with Jan on the subject of faked Lugers.
On refinished Lugers, I don't know. I had some Kreighoffs that I took to some experts and friends and they could not tell me whether or not they were restored. I also had a 1916 navy that I had expertly restored. This gun was destined for the scrape heap but I feel that I saved a bit of history and a fine gun. As long as no metal has been altered, like adding proof marks or unit marks, or the serial numbers altered, then I don't feel that the buyer has been cheated. But I agree that this is drawing a fine line.
I don't know just what Jan means by boosting. The last issue of AutoMag they discussed refinishing and restoring as though they were separate terms. I don't know what the difference is.
Big Norm

06-07-2002, 04:31 AM	#8
Big Norm RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 1,864 Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	I have a real hard time with faked Lugers. The subject makes my blood boil. On the last forum there was a discussion about 1904 navies and I learned a lot about them as a result. I ended up not purchasing one and saved myself a lot of money. This money was later used to buy a 1900 DWM Borchardt that I am very happy with. So I totally agree with Jan on the subject of faked Lugers. On refinished Lugers, I don't know. I had some Kreighoffs that I took to some experts and friends and they could not tell me whether or not they were restored. I also had a 1916 navy that I had expertly restored. This gun was destined for the scrape heap but I feel that I saved a bit of history and a fine gun. As long as no metal has been altered, like adding proof marks or unit marks, or the serial numbers altered, then I don't feel that the buyer has been cheated. But I agree that this is drawing a fine line. I don't know just what Jan means by boosting. The last issue of AutoMag they discussed refinishing and restoring as though they were separate terms. I don't know what the difference is. Big Norm