Finally got one!

nukem556 · 01-24-2011, 08:48 AM

Been wanting a 1900 for a while, won the bid on this...hopefully I didn't get carried away (do have 3 day insp.)It's BUG proofed, decent bore, ser #4672...not pretty now, but looks like a good resto candidate. I coughed up $1100.00 for it......?

Hugo Borchardt · 01-24-2011, 09:14 AM

Nice early serial numbered 1900 commercial! I was watching it go on AA last night on my smartphone while playing Scrabble with the wife. I think you did fine. And 1900's are ALWAYS pretty! She's just buck naked, that's all.

Many of these guns were sent to tests all over the world.

I vote to leave it be, but it would be a fine restoration candidate!

Congratulations!

Douglas Jr. · 01-24-2011, 11:22 AM

I would leave it alone, too.
Personally, I think its patima has some glamour.
Congratualiton!
Douglas

DavidJayUden · 01-24-2011, 11:38 AM

If it is matching I hope you wore a mask because you stole it. IMHO: All original, leave it, mismatched or altered, restore it.
Welcome and nice gun!
dju

Edward Tinker · 01-24-2011, 11:54 AM

Yes, I would not restore it, too many folks want pretty restored guns and thats fine, but once reblued / restored, then it is no longer original.

I like its early number too.

Ed

nukem556 · 01-24-2011, 12:16 PM

Thanks for the nice comments guys, but go light on the guilt trip!

seriously, I guess it is a dilemma...if it's totally original and matching, I guess best left alone....true, it does kinda have the same patina look as say, a turn of the century Colt SAA. But......they sure are gorgeous the way they left the factory....my little devil on the shoulder is whispering, "hope its mismatched" haaaa

StarOfTheWest · 01-24-2011, 02:03 PM

One of the most beautiful of the Luger variations, and I congratulate you on your great find and good buy.

One of my 1900s is in MUCH worse shape... pitted, no remaining finish at all, but unmuddled, still functional, and fully matched.
I nicknamed it the Junkyard Dog, but have never considered restoration.
It has its own story to tell, and wears its scars proudly.
I just keep a light coat of oil over the bare metal, so it doesn't rust.

DavidJayUden · 01-24-2011, 02:49 PM

I think that the beauty of unaltered originality is something that developes from within with age, wisdom and experience. And when it does the beauty of a shiney new "paint job" looses a bit of luster. And by then it is too late for one that has been altered. I'm betting that over time you will agree.
So now you have a new mission; find a good candidate for restoration, or a restored gun.
dju

nukem556 · 01-24-2011, 04:06 PM

Gee, that was a bit condescending, nicht wahr?

Ron Wood · 01-24-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nukem556

Gee, that was a bit condescending, nicht wahr?

Not at all. You got friendly advise from caring people.

DavidJayUden · 01-24-2011, 06:01 PM

Sorry, not meant to be condescending.
dju

nukem556 · 01-24-2011, 06:49 PM

Apology not necessary, David.....if we all didn't have the passion for these unique pistols, the site wouldn't exist. Everyone just has their own visions and tastes.....hell, a couple weeks ago, a prominent patron member who shall remain unnamed admitted he had a certain fondness for nickel plated Lugers.......shhhhhhh........

sheepherder · 01-24-2011, 07:07 PM

I also think this Luger looks best with the layer of patina on it...it gives it a 'steampunk' look...corresponding to its age...

Reblued, it would just be another refinished Luger...

StarOfTheWest · 01-24-2011, 07:23 PM

He might not be the only one.

My favorite "shooter" is a nickel (or maybe even chrome, ungodly shiny), 42 code 1940 chamber date, with, get this, REAL stag grips on it, hahahaha!!!

Complete matched #s, but I use MecGar mags in it, and the deceased elderly cop, whose son who I bought it from, actually electro-penciled his Social Security number all over all the inside parts and frame!

I added the cool stag grips, (she said proudly).

It's a real looker and traffic stopper at the range, and I just love the gaudy critter!
All it needs is a ton of engraving and it will be a classic Texas BBQ gun.

When fellow board member Leon DeSpain was kind enough to come visit and give me current appraisals on the collection a few years back, even HE liked it enough he hung a $1,000 tag on it!

Sometimes gaudy just plain rocks.

Mark1 · 01-24-2011, 08:05 PM

Nice pistol . Doesn't need refinishing to look good . Congratulations

01-24-2011, 08:48 AM	#1
nukem556 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 625 Thanks: 35 Thanked 168 Times in 107 Posts	Finally got one! Been wanting a 1900 for a while, won the bid on this...hopefully I didn't get carried away (do have 3 day insp.)It's BUG proofed, decent bore, ser #4672...not pretty now, but looks like a good resto candidate. I coughed up $1100.00 for it......? Attached Thumbnails

01-24-2011, 09:14 AM	#2
Hugo Borchardt User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 370 Thanks: 338 Thanked 131 Times in 47 Posts	Nice early serial numbered 1900 commercial! I was watching it go on AA last night on my smartphone while playing Scrabble with the wife. I think you did fine. And 1900's are ALWAYS pretty! She's just buck naked, that's all. Many of these guns were sent to tests all over the world. I vote to leave it be, but it would be a fine restoration candidate! Congratulations! __________________ My militaria collection is dedicated to the memory of my Grandfather, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Dave Hill, Jr., wounded in action at The Assault of the Second Marine Division on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, 20-23 November, 1943. http://www.tarawa1943.com/pages/casualties%20tarawa.htm

01-24-2011, 11:54 AM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,911 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,502 Times in 2,077 Posts	Yes, I would not restore it, too many folks want pretty restored guns and thats fine, but once reblued / restored, then it is no longer original. I like its early number too. 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

01-24-2011, 02:03 PM	#7
StarOfTheWest User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Texas, CSA Posts: 208 Thanks: 81 Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts	One of the most beautiful of the Luger variations, and I congratulate you on your great find and good buy. One of my 1900s is in MUCH worse shape... pitted, no remaining finish at all, but unmuddled, still functional, and fully matched. I nicknamed it the Junkyard Dog, but have never considered restoration. It has its own story to tell, and wears its scars proudly. I just keep a light coat of oil over the bare metal, so it doesn't rust. __________________ Sorry, I take that back. I have no problem with the horse you rode in on.

01-24-2011, 07:07 PM	#13
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,182 Thanks: 1,398 Thanked 4,440 Times in 2,328 Posts	I also think this Luger looks best with the layer of patina on it...it gives it a 'steampunk' look...corresponding to its age... Reblued, it would just be another refinished Luger... __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

01-24-2011, 11:22 AM	#3
Douglas Jr. User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South America Posts: 948 Thanks: 598 Thanked 584 Times in 254 Posts	I would leave it alone, too. Personally, I think its patima has some glamour. Congratualiton! Douglas

01-24-2011, 11:38 AM	#4
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	If it is matching I hope you wore a mask because you stole it. IMHO: All original, leave it, mismatched or altered, restore it. Welcome and nice gun! dju

01-24-2011, 12:16 PM	#6
nukem556 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 625 Thanks: 35 Thanked 168 Times in 107 Posts	Thanks for the nice comments guys, but go light on the guilt trip! seriously, I guess it is a dilemma...if it's totally original and matching, I guess best left alone....true, it does kinda have the same patina look as say, a turn of the century Colt SAA. But......they sure are gorgeous the way they left the factory....my little devil on the shoulder is whispering, "hope its mismatched" haaaa

01-24-2011, 02:49 PM	#8
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	I think that the beauty of unaltered originality is something that developes from within with age, wisdom and experience. And when it does the beauty of a shiney new "paint job" looses a bit of luster. And by then it is too late for one that has been altered. I'm betting that over time you will agree. So now you have a new mission; find a good candidate for restoration, or a restored gun. dju

01-24-2011, 04:06 PM	#9
nukem556 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 625 Thanks: 35 Thanked 168 Times in 107 Posts	Gee, that was a bit condescending, nicht wahr?

01-24-2011, 06:01 PM	#11
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Sorry, not meant to be condescending. dju

01-24-2011, 06:49 PM	#12
nukem556 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 625 Thanks: 35 Thanked 168 Times in 107 Posts	Apology not necessary, David.....if we all didn't have the passion for these unique pistols, the site wouldn't exist. Everyone just has their own visions and tastes.....hell, a couple weeks ago, a prominent patron member who shall remain unnamed admitted he had a certain fondness for nickel plated Lugers.......shhhhhhh........

01-24-2011, 07:23 PM	#14
StarOfTheWest User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Texas, CSA Posts: 208 Thanks: 81 Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts	He might not be the only one. My favorite "shooter" is a nickel (or maybe even chrome, ungodly shiny), 42 code 1940 chamber date, with, get this, REAL stag grips on it, hahahaha!!! Complete matched #s, but I use MecGar mags in it, and the deceased elderly cop, whose son who I bought it from, actually electro-penciled his Social Security number all over all the inside parts and frame! I added the cool stag grips, (she said proudly). It's a real looker and traffic stopper at the range, and I just love the gaudy critter! All it needs is a ton of engraving and it will be a classic Texas BBQ gun. When fellow board member Leon DeSpain was kind enough to come visit and give me current appraisals on the collection a few years back, even HE liked it enough he hung a $1,000 tag on it! Sometimes gaudy just plain rocks. __________________ Sorry, I take that back. I have no problem with the horse you rode in on.

01-24-2011, 08:05 PM	#15
Mark1 User Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 72 Thanks: 332 Thanked 74 Times in 25 Posts	Nice pistol . Doesn't need refinishing to look good . Congratulations