1938 S/42 Gun Show Happy Day But tell me about Blueing

Mike B · 08-20-2005, 08:39 PM

You just never know what you might see at a gun show, no matter how small. I honestly went to our local gun show this morning with full intentions of selling two of my deer rifles that I now no longer use. As soon as I walked in, one of the dealers, who is an old friend, grabbed my arm and led me to another dealer friend of his. He told him "Show this guy that Luger you brought". Well that was all it took for me to change from a seller to a buyer. So here it is: A 1938 S/42, in really wonderful condition. This is one of those Lugers you find that you just know is as true and inoccent as a new born. There were even cob webs on the grips when I removed them. Everthing looks to be in excellent condition except the grip straps. There is no blueing left on the front or rear. Could this have something to do with a different type of blueing process that was used on this model? If anyone can shed any light on this, I would be very appreciative. The checkering on grips is sharp and and clean. All the other blued parts look great. Please take a look at pictures and please tell me what you think. Thanks, Mike

Edward Tinker · 08-20-2005, 11:19 PM

Mike, at first glance, darn nice!

And you know, those are good clear pictures, good job at presentation!

Ed

Mike B · 08-20-2005, 11:58 PM

Thanks Ed, I do appreciate the kind words. Is this one that Jan would want in his serial #/proof study?

Mike

Edward Tinker · 08-21-2005, 12:02 AM

yes it would, you can post it under the sticky, and I'll ensure he knows about it (although he frequents both forums).

ed

John D. · 08-21-2005, 12:09 AM

Wow!!!!!

From what I can see - absolutely GREAT!!!! Your photo's are excellent, and with Ed - so is the presentation...

Good for you!!! I envy you finding this one!! As for the front & rear grip straps? Honestly, I've seen many which were much worse...

Simply terrific, Mike!!!

Congratulations!!!

John

Mike B · 08-21-2005, 12:20 AM

Wow from me as well. More kind words from such brass; I feel important. Thanks guys; that does make me feel a lot better. I was concerned about that absence of blueing on the grip straps, as the rest of Luger is so nice. Even under the grips, the blue is OK. As a friend suggested, possibly the person who did the most shooting had a chemical reaction with the blueing.

Edward Tinker · 08-21-2005, 12:23 AM

or, someone handled it a lot, and didn't wipe it down afterwards...

saxman · 08-22-2005, 12:37 PM

Just honest wear on an original hot-blue job. The old rust-blue job may have held up better, but the finish on yours is correct. Don't even think about 'fixing' it.

08-20-2005, 08:39 PM	#1
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 271 Times in 99 Posts	1938 S/42 Gun Show Happy Day But tell me about Blueing You just never know what you might see at a gun show, no matter how small. I honestly went to our local gun show this morning with full intentions of selling two of my deer rifles that I now no longer use. As soon as I walked in, one of the dealers, who is an old friend, grabbed my arm and led me to another dealer friend of his. He told him "Show this guy that Luger you brought". Well that was all it took for me to change from a seller to a buyer. So here it is: A 1938 S/42, in really wonderful condition. This is one of those Lugers you find that you just know is as true and inoccent as a new born. There were even cob webs on the grips when I removed them. Everthing looks to be in excellent condition except the grip straps. There is no blueing left on the front or rear. Could this have something to do with a different type of blueing process that was used on this model? If anyone can shed any light on this, I would be very appreciative. The checkering on grips is sharp and and clean. All the other blued parts look great. Please take a look at pictures and please tell me what you think. Thanks, Mike

08-21-2005, 12:02 AM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,917 Thanks: 1,996 Thanked 4,507 Times in 2,081 Posts	yes it would, you can post it under the sticky, and I'll ensure he knows about it (although he frequents both forums). ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-22-2005, 12:37 PM	#8
saxman User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 301 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Just honest wear on an original hot-blue job. The old rust-blue job may have held up better, but the finish on yours is correct. Don't even think about 'fixing' it. __________________ You can lead 'em to the water, but you can't make 'em drink.

08-20-2005, 11:19 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,917 Thanks: 1,996 Thanked 4,507 Times in 2,081 Posts	Mike, at first glance, darn nice! And you know, those are good clear pictures, good job at presentation! Ed

08-20-2005, 11:58 PM	#3
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 271 Times in 99 Posts	Thanks Ed, I do appreciate the kind words. Is this one that Jan would want in his serial #/proof study? Mike

08-21-2005, 12:09 AM	#5
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 473 Thanked 513 Times in 127 Posts	Wow!!!!! From what I can see - absolutely GREAT!!!! Your photo's are excellent, and with Ed - so is the presentation... Good for you!!! I envy you finding this one!! As for the front & rear grip straps? Honestly, I've seen many which were much worse... Simply terrific, Mike!!! Congratulations!!! John

08-21-2005, 12:20 AM	#6
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 271 Times in 99 Posts	Wow from me as well. More kind words from such brass; I feel important. Thanks guys; that does make me feel a lot better. I was concerned about that absence of blueing on the grip straps, as the rest of Luger is so nice. Even under the grips, the blue is OK. As a friend suggested, possibly the person who did the most shooting had a chemical reaction with the blueing.

08-21-2005, 12:23 AM	#7
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,917 Thanks: 1,996 Thanked 4,507 Times in 2,081 Posts	or, someone handled it a lot, and didn't wipe it down afterwards...