Straw darkening

Brent B. · 07-19-2005, 01:51 PM

Can anyone tell me why the strawed parts on an older Luger will sometimes darken. I've seen a couple of Lugers that had decent strawing on one side and the other side was dark in areas. Poor storage?

Thanks, Brent B.

Edward Tinker · 07-19-2005, 01:54 PM

Strawing is where you heat the piece of metal up and then it changes the color. Air / oxygen oxidizes the strawing making it turn darker over time, in a way, rusting it I would guess. So those areas more exposed to air will be darker.

I like an old gun with strawing, but at the same time, it is a 65-90 year old gun, and common sense tells me that shouldn't the straw be fairly light (dark)?

Ed

Brent B. · 07-19-2005, 02:35 PM

Ed: Thank you for getting back with me. I had a fellow ask me that question and I didn't want to tell him wrong. I'm assuming there's no way to properly get rid of the darkness as it would ruin the remaining finish.

Thanks again, Brent B.

Dwight Gruber · 07-19-2005, 06:21 PM

Hmmm,

I was always under the impression that strawing -lightened-, faded, over time on exposure to the elements and light. I have seen Lugers with purportedly original straw which was very dark overalll, much more than I would suspect.

It would be useful perhaps if Thor weighed in here...

--Dwight

Edward Tinker · 07-19-2005, 08:04 PM

Dwight, I believe that is what I was trying to say? If not then I don't mind being corrected.

It might have helped if I said, I have seen straw that faded to almost steel look, and then I have also seen them appear very darkened, i.e. which would be a form of rusting?

Ted hasn't said anything for several months, I assume and hope he is okay...

Ed

Heinz · 07-19-2005, 09:11 PM

IF the question is "Can straw be faked?" The answer is "You Betcha" The technique is extremely simple and much easier than even dip bluing. IF doe wrong an a piece like the trigger it can come out one sided.

If the straw looks strange, there is probably a reason you feel that way.

Ed describes two very legitimate conditions, faded to light, and a darkened "patina" Either would be proper depending on how the rest of the pistol looked. The straw condition should match the condition of the blue and the grips.

07-19-2005, 01:51 PM	#1
Brent B. User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 176 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Straw darkening Can anyone tell me why the strawed parts on an older Luger will sometimes darken. I've seen a couple of Lugers that had decent strawing on one side and the other side was dark in areas. Poor storage? Thanks, Brent B.

07-19-2005, 01:54 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,920 Thanks: 2,000 Thanked 4,511 Times in 2,083 Posts	Strawing is where you heat the piece of metal up and then it changes the color. Air / oxygen oxidizes the strawing making it turn darker over time, in a way, rusting it I would guess. So those areas more exposed to air will be darker. I like an old gun with strawing, but at the same time, it is a 65-90 year old gun, and common sense tells me that shouldn't the straw be fairly light (dark)? Ed

07-19-2005, 02:35 PM	#3
Brent B. User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 176 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed: Thank you for getting back with me. I had a fellow ask me that question and I didn't want to tell him wrong. I'm assuming there's no way to properly get rid of the darkness as it would ruin the remaining finish. Thanks again, Brent B.

07-19-2005, 06:21 PM	#4
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,891 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,286 Times in 425 Posts	Hmmm, I was always under the impression that strawing -lightened-, faded, over time on exposure to the elements and light. I have seen Lugers with purportedly original straw which was very dark overalll, much more than I would suspect. It would be useful perhaps if Thor weighed in here... --Dwight

07-19-2005, 08:04 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,920 Thanks: 2,000 Thanked 4,511 Times in 2,083 Posts	Dwight, I believe that is what I was trying to say? If not then I don't mind being corrected. It might have helped if I said, I have seen straw that faded to almost steel look, and then I have also seen them appear very darkened, i.e. which would be a form of rusting? Ted hasn't said anything for several months, I assume and hope he is okay... Ed

07-19-2005, 09:11 PM	#6
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	IF the question is "Can straw be faked?" The answer is "You Betcha" The technique is extremely simple and much easier than even dip bluing. IF doe wrong an a piece like the trigger it can come out one sided. If the straw looks strange, there is probably a reason you feel that way. Ed describes two very legitimate conditions, faded to light, and a darkened "patina" Either would be proper depending on how the rest of the pistol looked. The straw condition should match the condition of the blue and the grips.