More Black Widow Grips

[Hugh]

Here are pics of two pair of original BW grips. The top pair are on a 42 byf and the bottom pair are on a 41 byf. Next I will post pics of the backs.




http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/BlackWidowGrips1.jpg

[Hugh]

Here are the backs of the grips. Note that the bottom pair has the threaded holes at the bottom of the grips. The upper pair however has the threaded hole at the bottom on one grip and at the top on the other grip. Also note that the hole or mold mark is farther from the bottom edge of the grip on the right grip panels than the left grip panels.




http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/BlackWidowGrips2.jpg

[Luke]

Does anyone know the intended function of those threaded holes?

[Thor]

There were put there to drive collectors CRAZY!

[John Sabato]

[SteveM]

They will acept the gripscrew......


SteveM

[G.T.]

The threaded holes are used to aid in removing the finished part from the mold,....till...later....G.T.

I think SteveM has stated the logical answer as to why the threads are there.


It could be a place to secure the grip screws during dissassembly. A field expedient.


Mike

[BILL]

Sounds almost too logical, GT. I was picturing some poor factory worker putting a pair of grip screws into each one of these holes so they would arrive at their destination intact (complete w/screws). A simple removal tool from the molds does make a lot more sense. Do you think there is some documentation of the process somewhere?

[G.T.]

Hi Bill! Finding someone who knows about the process of molding plastic back then is pretty tough! Although Baekolite (not the correct spelling) has been around a long time, I suspect the molding machines and tooling used in grip production was state of the art at that time.....other plastics were unique and rare, that is why you sometimes see plexi-glass fashioned into grips and handles, it was definitly something different and special at the time. But it is pretty evident that Baekolite was eclipsed early on in the war years, and pretty much forgotten after that!

Baekolite has some serious draw backs when used as a material for mass production. The early molds did not have sprues or risers, and the phenolic resins used (in a powder form) were preset to a certain size or weight...this measure of material was then set into the mold where the top & bottom would come together under heat and pressure to form the part.....after the part was finished, you then had to extract it manually from the bottom half of the mold. Also, at this time, the part would still be hot! Sometimes on complex parts, a sharp rap with a mallet or rawhide hammer, on the removal fixture, is needed to shock the part loose. It was certainly far from an exact science at that time........When I was in a college plastics class, I asked a few questions to my professor about the subject, and the above is what I remember....till....later.....G.T.

[John Sabato]

FWIW, I spoke to one vet who told me they used to have those grips fashioned out of the broken windows from downed aircraft...


Here is a sample image of a grip that was on a Luger Internet auctioned last year...


Very crude looking, but I guess if they were properly polished, they wouldn't look too bad on a cutaway model.


-JS






http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Transparentgrips.jpg

[Hugh]

Note they are inletted for a grip safety!




http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/plexiglasgrips.jpg

[Marvin]

John,


Back years ago, I saw a pair of the plexiglas grips with a picture of a WWII era pin-up girl picture insode the grips! I think the pistol was a German occupation made Polish Radom pistol. The grips on these pistols were easy to make from the plexiglas. I thought they were a little "tacky", but the girl was cute, Ha, Ha, Ha.


Marvin

[Hugh]

[G.T.]

Hi Guys! I have also seen several with pictures of wives and sweethearts....and also plexi-glass handles on Mauser bayonets, with pictures or tin foil underneath! wished I would have kept some of them now.....till...later....G.T.