Restore, or not?

grantman · 06-11-2019, 10:55 PM

Fellows:

Would you restore, or not restore, a Luger that:

1. Is a vet bring-back (no letter) 1938 S42 with matching parts. All parts salt blued

2. Good to very good bore.

3. Finish is rough, broadly freckled w/o deep pits, some areas of bare steel around "ears"

4. VG walnut grips.

5. Dealer is asking 1,550.00, 2 mags (mismatched) and original holster dated 1939, missing lift strap. Sorry, I don't have pictures.

Comments welcome.

John Sabato · 06-11-2019, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantman

Fellows:

Would you restore, or not restore, a Luger that:

1. Is a vet bring-back (no letter) 1938 S42 with matching parts. All parts salt blued

2. Good to very good bore.

3. Finish is rough, broadly freckled w/o deep pits, some areas of bare steel around "ears"

4. VG walnut grips.

5. Dealer is asking 1,550.00, 2 mags (mismatched) and original holster dated 1939, missing lift strap. Sorry, I don't have pictures.

Comments welcome.

NOT restore. You will eliminate or at least greatly diminish any collector value by restoration. Jerry Burney (lugerholsterrepair) can "restore" your holster lift strap... with one from the same period. His work is flawless.

HerrKaiser · 06-11-2019, 11:25 PM

I concur, do not restore. As is, she sounds like a very nice rig at a decent price.

DonVoigt · 06-11-2019, 11:35 PM

No restoration.
But- it sounds like you want a "prettier" pistol, pass on this one and buy what you really want.

mrerick · 06-12-2019, 09:14 AM

Luger collectors most highly values that are as close as possible to their original factory state.

"Restore" a Luger by refinishing it and you will have zero original finish.

If you want a prettier collectible Luger, buy one in that original condition. If you want a shooter, buy a shooter at an appropriate price (perhaps 40% less than the price you're considering).

Buying a pistol that is with poor finish at a collectible pistol price and then adding more expense to make it look good doesn't make much sense.

4 Scale · 06-12-2019, 10:26 AM

Broadly - restoration of any Luger is an entirely subjective decision because the value increase, if any, doesn't cover the restoration cost. The real question is how you personally value a restoration, and only you can answer that.

That said, good restoration candidates are pistols with sound mechanics, poor cosmetics and low cost. The pistol described is a good restoration candidate except for the cost, I agree it's over-priced.

Eugen · 06-13-2019, 08:33 PM

If you have the urge to restore something, restore a 1938 Chevy. Leave the 1938 Luger as it is.

But, you already know that from all the posts above. I just wanted to make it unanimous.

Edward Tinker · 06-13-2019, 09:51 PM

I don't know if I agree - pictures would need to be shown, but it sounds like the finish is so rough that it is too expensive for its price. It sounds like what folks would buy as a shooter - the extra mag is worth $100, the holster another $100 - and maybe add double that - but we'd need to see pictures.

Finish rough and freckled and lightly pitted - come on guys, that sounds a bit rough....

4 Scale · 06-14-2019, 01:25 PM

I missed the comment on deep pits. Ed's right, deep pits make a pistol a poor restoration candidate. They can be filled by a true craftsman using TIG welding but that adds cost fast.

Sergio Natali · 06-15-2019, 06:37 AM

Since as you said it has "finish rough and freckled and lightly pitted" I wonder if the asked price is not a smidgen high, others will provide their opinion.
Close up photos taken in the shade without flash would probably help us, discussions and evaluations should all start with close and clear photos and in some cases with the serial number; in any case from what you wrote I concur with the above replies, if that is your "first Luger" and you intend to use it at the range, get a brand new MecGar magazine and just have fun.

Madcow · 10-10-2019, 04:13 PM

A quality restoration is going to cost well over $5-700. Spend more and get a nice original one.

ithacaartist · 10-13-2019, 03:23 PM

OP says, "w/o deep pits."

IMHO, overall "freckling" would be more of a restoration problem than some distinct, significant pits. The number and depth of pits makes the difference, I think, in determining how difficult to restore. I agree that pics would help, but this one seems to be in the middle ground between collectible and shooter. Respect for originality is paramount in collecting, so I'd rate this one as an interesting, marginally collectible with a finish issue, and an entry level or place-holder pistol that one could comfortably also choose to shoot without trepidation about ruining its value.

Restoration of such an example automatically erases all collectible value, and thereafter it would stand on its individual merits alone. All spiffed up pretty and functioning flawlessly would make it a high end shooter with commensurate market value.

I'm in the middle of fixing up my landlord's childhood Remington Model 41 Smoothbore I acquired in a swap for a couple of filing cabinets. The barrel was thoroughly freckled from storage in the lower part of a barn, and I had to soak it overnight in PB Blaster just to get the bolt to move again. There were enough sufficiently deep pits in the mix to contraindicate their total removal, so I had it fine glass bead blasted to give it a nice satin finish after the light pits were worked down. Small pits still abound, and although still noticeable if you look closely, the metal now has nice "curb appeal" after the re-blue.

Refinishing the walnut stock with Danish oil is another way I'm throwing good time after bad. And heck, I'm even going to look into having the bolt jeweled! I guess my point is that one can do what one wants with one's property, but it's best to consider the implications when deciding.

sheepherder · 10-13-2019, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madcow

A quality restoration is going to cost well over $5-700.

...

... Only $5-700 for a quality restoration???

Please post whoever it is that does these. I have several I would like quality restored for that price...

lugerholsterrepair · 10-13-2019, 07:09 PM

Could be the pistol doesn't need restoration but a good gentle cleaning & oiling. That sometimes makes an old warhorse look more than acceptable.

06-11-2019, 10:55 PM	#1
grantman User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Northern Idaho Posts: 84 Thanks: 2 Thanked 34 Times in 22 Posts	Restore, or not? Fellows: Would you restore, or not restore, a Luger that: 1. Is a vet bring-back (no letter) 1938 S42 with matching parts. All parts salt blued 2. Good to very good bore. 3. Finish is rough, broadly freckled w/o deep pits, some areas of bare steel around "ears" 4. VG walnut grips. 5. Dealer is asking 1,550.00, 2 mags (mismatched) and original holster dated 1939, missing lift strap. Sorry, I don't have pictures. Comments welcome.

06-11-2019, 11:25 PM	#3
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 848 Thanks: 784 Thanked 861 Times in 411 Posts	I concur, do not restore. As is, she sounds like a very nice rig at a decent price. __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

06-11-2019, 11:35 PM	#4
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,350 Times in 2,040 Posts	No restoration. But- it sounds like you want a "prettier" pistol, pass on this one and buy what you really want. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

06-12-2019, 09:14 AM	#5
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Luger collectors most highly values that are as close as possible to their original factory state. "Restore" a Luger by refinishing it and you will have zero original finish. If you want a prettier collectible Luger, buy one in that original condition. If you want a shooter, buy a shooter at an appropriate price (perhaps 40% less than the price you're considering). Buying a pistol that is with poor finish at a collectible pistol price and then adding more expense to make it look good doesn't make much sense. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

06-13-2019, 08:33 PM	#7
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 790 Thanks: 394 Thanked 631 Times in 334 Posts	If you have the urge to restore something, restore a 1938 Chevy. Leave the 1938 Luger as it is. But, you already know that from all the posts above. I just wanted to make it unanimous. __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

06-12-2019, 10:26 AM	#6
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 489 Times in 251 Posts	Broadly - restoration of any Luger is an entirely subjective decision because the value increase, if any, doesn't cover the restoration cost. The real question is how you personally value a restoration, and only you can answer that. That said, good restoration candidates are pistols with sound mechanics, poor cosmetics and low cost. The pistol described is a good restoration candidate except for the cost, I agree it's over-priced.

06-13-2019, 09:51 PM	#8
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,933 Thanks: 2,032 Thanked 4,530 Times in 2,092 Posts	I don't know if I agree - pictures would need to be shown, but it sounds like the finish is so rough that it is too expensive for its price. It sounds like what folks would buy as a shooter - the extra mag is worth $100, the holster another $100 - and maybe add double that - but we'd need to see pictures. Finish rough and freckled and lightly pitted - come on guys, that sounds a bit rough....

06-14-2019, 01:25 PM	#9
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 489 Times in 251 Posts	I missed the comment on deep pits. Ed's right, deep pits make a pistol a poor restoration candidate. They can be filled by a true craftsman using TIG welding but that adds cost fast.

06-15-2019, 06:37 AM	#10
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Since as you said it has "finish rough and freckled and lightly pitted" I wonder if the asked price is not a smidgen high, others will provide their opinion. Close up photos taken in the shade without flash would probably help us, discussions and evaluations should all start with close and clear photos and in some cases with the serial number; in any case from what you wrote I concur with the above replies, if that is your "first Luger" and you intend to use it at the range, get a brand new MecGar magazine and just have fun. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

10-10-2019, 04:13 PM	#11
Madcow User Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 53 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	A quality restoration is going to cost well over $5-700. Spend more and get a nice original one. __________________ Don't take life too seriously, because your not going to make it out alive.

10-13-2019, 03:23 PM	#12
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,346 Thanks: 7,277 Thanked 2,578 Times in 1,365 Posts	OP says, "w/o deep pits." IMHO, overall "freckling" would be more of a restoration problem than some distinct, significant pits. The number and depth of pits makes the difference, I think, in determining how difficult to restore. I agree that pics would help, but this one seems to be in the middle ground between collectible and shooter. Respect for originality is paramount in collecting, so I'd rate this one as an interesting, marginally collectible with a finish issue, and an entry level or place-holder pistol that one could comfortably also choose to shoot without trepidation about ruining its value. Restoration of such an example automatically erases all collectible value, and thereafter it would stand on its individual merits alone. All spiffed up pretty and functioning flawlessly would make it a high end shooter with commensurate market value. I'm in the middle of fixing up my landlord's childhood Remington Model 41 Smoothbore I acquired in a swap for a couple of filing cabinets. The barrel was thoroughly freckled from storage in the lower part of a barn, and I had to soak it overnight in PB Blaster just to get the bolt to move again. There were enough sufficiently deep pits in the mix to contraindicate their total removal, so I had it fine glass bead blasted to give it a nice satin finish after the light pits were worked down. Small pits still abound, and although still noticeable if you look closely, the metal now has nice "curb appeal" after the re-blue. Refinishing the walnut stock with Danish oil is another way I'm throwing good time after bad. And heck, I'm even going to look into having the bolt jeweled! I guess my point is that one can do what one wants with one's property, but it's best to consider the implications when deciding. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

10-13-2019, 07:09 PM	#14
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,772 Thanks: 4,933 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	Could be the pistol doesn't need restoration but a good gentle cleaning & oiling. That sometimes makes an old warhorse look more than acceptable. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."