Question about original finish: 1917 Erfurt

bikehog · 03-05-2011, 12:06 AM

I'm looking to buy this 1917 Erfurt from a friend. All matching numbers. Is the "white" mark on the top with the crown and Erfurt common? I've also read that the safety lever and trigger should be a straw color. These appear blue. See pictures. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Edward Tinker · 03-05-2011, 04:22 AM

The only original area that was white on a luger was the Gieschert (sp) on the left side for the safety.

All other whiting was added at some point by a collector or someone who wanted it to stand out.

"Usually" it is grease pencil or the like and hoppes gun oil or other nonintrusive oil will take it off using a toothbrush.

Welcome to the forum, read around here, read the FAQ, see what other 1917 Erfurts are supposed to have for matching numbers etc.

The old adage is buy books, then guns. Many folks don't follow that advice

Ed

Norme · 03-05-2011, 05:09 AM

Hi Louis, Welcome to the forum. I'd like to echo Ed's advice, buy a Luger book or two. As to your question regarding this gun's finish, it has been re-blued. Regards, Norm.

bikehog · 03-05-2011, 06:24 AM

Thanks guys. He also offered a P-38 AC44 and two NIB Mauser post-war models. I'll ask a question on the P-38 on the appropriate forum. Appreciate the help. Lou

rivieraranch · 03-06-2011, 09:13 PM

What kind of postwar Mausers does your friend have?

bikehog · 03-07-2011, 10:42 AM

The newer Lugers are both Interarms.

P08, 4", 9mm, New in box
Swiss-style, 30 cal, 6", New in box

Pics available. My email: loudeeter@aol.com

barr44 · 03-09-2011, 07:59 PM

bikehog,

It looks like there has been some refinishing or parts changing going on. The safety lever is as you mentioned blue, it should be straw, as should be the trigger, the takedown lever, and the magazine release button.
Also you need to check all of the numbered parts, there should be the last two digits of the serial no. on each numbered part. The full s.n. should be on the front of the frame above the trigger guard, the left side of the receiver and on the underside of the barrel at the back, there may also be a alphanumeric character in cursive below the s.n. on the front of the frame and possibly on the barrel.
Erfurt lugers also have Erfurt proof marks on most of the parts, so there should be plenty of proof marks on the gun.
Even if it has a couple of replaced or refinished parts it is still a nice example and if you can get the holster and perhaps a spare magazine and tool in the deal, you might do well.
barr

John Sabato · 03-10-2011, 08:05 AM

Definitely a reblue IMHO, even if the trigger and safety lever were still straw, the exterior finish doesn't look original...but at least it didn't have the heck buffed out of it...

Enjoy it. Nice Erfurt. Let me add my welcome to the forum!

03-05-2011, 12:06 AM	#1
bikehog New User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Question about original finish: 1917 Erfurt I'm looking to buy this 1917 Erfurt from a friend. All matching numbers. Is the "white" mark on the top with the crown and Erfurt common? I've also read that the safety lever and trigger should be a straw color. These appear blue. See pictures. Any help appreciated. Thanks. Attached Thumbnails

03-05-2011, 04:22 AM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,916 Thanks: 1,992 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	The only original area that was white on a luger was the Gieschert (sp) on the left side for the safety. All other whiting was added at some point by a collector or someone who wanted it to stand out. "Usually" it is grease pencil or the like and hoppes gun oil or other nonintrusive oil will take it off using a toothbrush. Welcome to the forum, read around here, read the FAQ, see what other 1917 Erfurts are supposed to have for matching numbers etc. The old adage is buy books, then guns. Many folks don't follow that advice 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

03-10-2011, 08:05 AM	#8
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,152 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Definitely a reblue IMHO, even if the trigger and safety lever were still straw, the exterior finish doesn't look original...but at least it didn't have the heck buffed out of it... Enjoy it. Nice Erfurt. Let me add my welcome to the forum! __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

03-05-2011, 05:09 AM	#3
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,415 Thanks: 225 Thanked 2,594 Times in 931 Posts	Hi Louis, Welcome to the forum. I'd like to echo Ed's advice, buy a Luger book or two. As to your question regarding this gun's finish, it has been re-blued. Regards, Norm.

03-05-2011, 06:24 AM	#4
bikehog New User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks guys. He also offered a P-38 AC44 and two NIB Mauser post-war models. I'll ask a question on the P-38 on the appropriate forum. Appreciate the help. Lou

03-06-2011, 09:13 PM	#5
rivieraranch User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 101 Thanks: 4 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	What kind of postwar Mausers does your friend have?

03-07-2011, 10:42 AM	#6
bikehog New User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The newer Lugers are both Interarms. P08, 4", 9mm, New in box Swiss-style, 30 cal, 6", New in box Pics available. My email: loudeeter@aol.com

03-09-2011, 07:59 PM	#7
barr44 User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: york co., va Posts: 151 Thanks: 27 Thanked 35 Times in 21 Posts	bikehog, It looks like there has been some refinishing or parts changing going on. The safety lever is as you mentioned blue, it should be straw, as should be the trigger, the takedown lever, and the magazine release button. Also you need to check all of the numbered parts, there should be the last two digits of the serial no. on each numbered part. The full s.n. should be on the front of the frame above the trigger guard, the left side of the receiver and on the underside of the barrel at the back, there may also be a alphanumeric character in cursive below the s.n. on the front of the frame and possibly on the barrel. Erfurt lugers also have Erfurt proof marks on most of the parts, so there should be plenty of proof marks on the gun. Even if it has a couple of replaced or refinished parts it is still a nice example and if you can get the holster and perhaps a spare magazine and tool in the deal, you might do well. barr