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07-19-2005, 01:51 PM | #1 |
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Straw darkening
Can anyone tell me why the strawed parts on an older Luger will sometimes darken. I've seen a couple of Lugers that had decent strawing on one side and the other side was dark in areas. Poor storage?
Thanks, Brent B. |
07-19-2005, 01:54 PM | #2 |
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Strawing is where you heat the piece of metal up and then it changes the color. Air / oxygen oxidizes the strawing making it turn darker over time, in a way, rusting it I would guess. So those areas more exposed to air will be darker.
I like an old gun with strawing, but at the same time, it is a 65-90 year old gun, and common sense tells me that shouldn't the straw be fairly light (dark)? Ed |
07-19-2005, 02:35 PM | #3 |
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Ed: Thank you for getting back with me. I had a fellow ask me that question and I didn't want to tell him wrong. I'm assuming there's no way to properly get rid of the darkness as it would ruin the remaining finish.
Thanks again, Brent B. |
07-19-2005, 06:21 PM | #4 |
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Hmmm,
I was always under the impression that strawing -lightened-, faded, over time on exposure to the elements and light. I have seen Lugers with purportedly original straw which was very dark overalll, much more than I would suspect. It would be useful perhaps if Thor weighed in here... --Dwight |
07-19-2005, 08:04 PM | #5 |
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Dwight, I believe that is what I was trying to say? If not then I don't mind being corrected.
It might have helped if I said, I have seen straw that faded to almost steel look, and then I have also seen them appear very darkened, i.e. which would be a form of rusting? Ted hasn't said anything for several months, I assume and hope he is okay... Ed |
07-19-2005, 09:11 PM | #6 |
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IF the question is "Can straw be faked?" The answer is "You Betcha" The technique is extremely simple and much easier than even dip bluing. IF doe wrong an a piece like the trigger it can come out one sided.
If the straw looks strange, there is probably a reason you feel that way. Ed describes two very legitimate conditions, faded to light, and a darkened "patina" Either would be proper depending on how the rest of the pistol looked. The straw condition should match the condition of the blue and the grips. |
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