Any problem using Hoppe's Solvent on White Lettering?

saaismail · 11-20-2009, 05:38 PM

Hey Folks,

I'd like to give my "new" Luger a good first cleaning and oiling for the first time, but had a concern about the white lettering/numbering.

Frankly, I'm not sure I understand how or why these serial numbers/marks are white in some Lugers? I thought at first it was a practice used by collectors just to make the numbers more visible, but I read somewhere recently it was otherwise. Can anyone explain that?

More importantly, if I use some solvent to get any loose junk/dirt off the gun, will that remove the "white" from the marks too? Probably a silly question, but that would be a very bad surprise, as I really like how the white looks.

Thanks!
Scott

Ron Smith · 11-20-2009, 05:47 PM

Scott,

The white lettering is exactly what you thought. It was applied by a dealer or collector to enhance the markings for photos, etc. It could be Laquer stick (available from Brownells), white crayon or even chalk. The solvent will remove it, but you can replace it if you so desire.

The only area that white lettering was factory applied is in the word "Gesichert" at the safety.

Ron

saaismail · 11-20-2009, 06:05 PM

Sounds good - Thanks!

saaismail · 11-20-2009, 08:26 PM

Will Solvent remove the "Gesichert?"

Thanks

Ron Wood · 11-20-2009, 09:06 PM

Acetone will remove it, but the sealing wax in the marking is pretty tough stuff. So if some accidently gets on the Gesichert marking, just let it dry without brushing or rubbing and it will be OK. Other solvents/cleaning fluids such as Hoppes won't harm it unless you let it soak in for a while and brush vigorously...and why would you do that?

saaismail · 11-20-2009, 10:15 PM

Thanks Ron....there's about a zero percent chance of me brushing this gun hard.....I'm treating it like it's made of glass (which is probably silly considering what it was made for). Now, I can at least clean with less worry!

11-20-2009, 05:38 PM	#1
saaismail User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 4 Posts	Any problem using Hoppe's Solvent on White Lettering? Hey Folks, I'd like to give my "new" Luger a good first cleaning and oiling for the first time, but had a concern about the white lettering/numbering. Frankly, I'm not sure I understand how or why these serial numbers/marks are white in some Lugers? I thought at first it was a practice used by collectors just to make the numbers more visible, but I read somewhere recently it was otherwise. Can anyone explain that? More importantly, if I use some solvent to get any loose junk/dirt off the gun, will that remove the "white" from the marks too? Probably a silly question, but that would be a very bad surprise, as I really like how the white looks. Thanks! Scott

11-20-2009, 05:47 PM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Scott, The white lettering is exactly what you thought. It was applied by a dealer or collector to enhance the markings for photos, etc. It could be Laquer stick (available from Brownells), white crayon or even chalk. The solvent will remove it, but you can replace it if you so desire. The only area that white lettering was factory applied is in the word "Gesichert" at the safety. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

11-20-2009, 08:26 PM	#4
saaismail User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 4 Posts	One more question Will Solvent remove the "Gesichert?" Thanks

11-20-2009, 09:06 PM	#5
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,988 Thanks: 1,067 Thanked 5,099 Times in 1,676 Posts	Acetone will remove it, but the sealing wax in the marking is pretty tough stuff. So if some accidently gets on the Gesichert marking, just let it dry without brushing or rubbing and it will be OK. Other solvents/cleaning fluids such as Hoppes won't harm it unless you let it soak in for a while and brush vigorously...and why would you do that? __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

11-20-2009, 06:05 PM	#3
saaismail User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 4 Posts	Sounds good - Thanks!

11-20-2009, 10:15 PM	#6
saaismail User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25 Thanks: 10 Thanked 18 Times in 4 Posts	Thanks Ron....there's about a zero percent chance of me brushing this gun hard.....I'm treating it like it's made of glass (which is probably silly considering what it was made for). Now, I can at least clean with less worry!