Plum Swiss

[mrerick]

In the past couple of years, I have been lucky enough to acquire examples of each major Swiss Luger variation.

Some of these look to have been maintained under the ongoing Swiss Bern arsenal rebuild programs.

My 1900 (shipped from DWM in 1904) has both the upgraded Swiss extractor and a replacement barrel:



There is a very apparent plum color to the bluing on this replacement barrel, which is in very excellent condition. I don't think it was used or shot much after the replacement.

A few weeks ago, I acquired a M1906/29 Swiss Bern Luger vintage January, 1935. This one has extensive Sig manufacturing markings internally. It is all original, including the original barrel:



This Luger's barrel appears to have the same plum color as my M1900's replacement barrel.

Did the Swiss have a period around 1935 when new and replacement barrels had this finish tone?

My later 1938 vintage M1906/29 has a much blacker overall finish.

Thanks, Marc