Estimating Remaining Finish

Arizona Slim · 11-10-2014, 11:56 AM

Is there a guidline for estimating the remaining finish on a firearm available? I know this is subjective, the seller will generaly estimate the finish at a higher percentage then the buyer . I always assumed that the percentage was an estimate of how much, if any, bare metal was actually exposed. Does the number also include an estimate of how thin the finish is perceived to be? The reason I ask is that the last couple of firearms I purchased through a major auction house the firearms were estimated to be 70% on one and 80% on the other, when I got them there was actually very little bare metal showing. There are several books on the market to help coin collectors estimate the grade of a coin, such as "Photograde", anything available for gun collectors?

Lon

sheepherder · 11-10-2014, 01:50 PM

To add to your question, is 'patina' considered 'remaining finish'???

Edward Tinker · 11-10-2014, 02:43 PM

I once suggested that folks take lots of pictures and we would then grade them as a group. And everyone, I mean everyone gave me grief over it.. They all said, the Blue Book shows pictures and judge from that.

To me, if the overall appearance is 'thin' then it should be judged that way.
To me, if 'patina' is showing through, then it must have light bluing, that said, i have had guns that were browning, which is patina.
To me, I figure that the high points, sides of the forward part of the muzzle, sideplate, edges on the gun, etc.

I look it over and just give a feel for it. Ed

Arizona Slim · 11-10-2014, 04:11 PM

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I once suggested that folks take lots of pictures and we would then grade them as a group. And everyone, I mean everyone gave me grief over it.. They all said, the Blue Book shows pictures and judge from that.
Ed Tinker

Ed, that sounds like an excellent idea, I can't imagine why anyone would object to that. With such a big difference in the price of a collectable vs. a shooter Luger it just makes sense to have all the information available. Your idea sure gets my vote.

Lon

sheepherder · 11-10-2014, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

I once suggested that folks take lots of pictures and we would then grade them as a group.

I agree with Lonnie agreeing with Bill. Sounds like a plan.

11-10-2014, 11:56 AM	#1
Arizona Slim Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 706 Thanks: 1,026 Thanked 409 Times in 225 Posts	Estimating Remaining Finish Is there a guidline for estimating the remaining finish on a firearm available? I know this is subjective, the seller will generaly estimate the finish at a higher percentage then the buyer . I always assumed that the percentage was an estimate of how much, if any, bare metal was actually exposed. Does the number also include an estimate of how thin the finish is perceived to be? The reason I ask is that the last couple of firearms I purchased through a major auction house the firearms were estimated to be 70% on one and 80% on the other, when I got them there was actually very little bare metal showing. There are several books on the market to help coin collectors estimate the grade of a coin, such as "Photograde", anything available for gun collectors? Lon

11-10-2014, 01:50 PM	#2
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	To add to your question, is 'patina' considered 'remaining finish'??? __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

11-10-2014, 02:43 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,912 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,502 Times in 2,077 Posts	I once suggested that folks take lots of pictures and we would then grade them as a group. And everyone, I mean everyone gave me grief over it.. They all said, the Blue Book shows pictures and judge from that. To me, if the overall appearance is 'thin' then it should be judged that way. To me, if 'patina' is showing through, then it must have light bluing, that said, i have had guns that were browning, which is patina. To me, I figure that the high points, sides of the forward part of the muzzle, sideplate, edges on the gun, etc. I look it over and just give a feel for it. 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

11-10-2014, 04:11 PM	#4
Arizona Slim Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 706 Thanks: 1,026 Thanked 409 Times in 225 Posts	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I once suggested that folks take lots of pictures and we would then grade them as a group. And everyone, I mean everyone gave me grief over it.. They all said, the Blue Book shows pictures and judge from that. Ed Tinker Ed, that sounds like an excellent idea, I can't imagine why anyone would object to that. With such a big difference in the price of a collectable vs. a shooter Luger it just makes sense to have all the information available. Your idea sure gets my vote. Lon