WTK: blueing loss on distinct sections of Krieghoff luger

[cplstevennorton]

I have a question of the finish loss on this Krieghoff luger. This has been in a friend's collection since the 60's. He said he got it off the vet who brought it back. And the story was the vet found a downed german aircraft, and got this luger off the german in the plane. It was supposively covered in blood when he got it, and it removed the finish on the gun. What do you guys think of the pictures. Is that consistant with blood marks?

This is part of an estate sale, as my friend just passed. I am going to probably make an offer on it to his daughter. She gave it to me to research it. What is the fair marked value on this. Where it is a good deal for her and me. It is all matching except the extractor on the toggle is a different number, and the mag is not matched. But the mag is krieghoff. I know the finish loss is going to kill it as well. So what do you guys think?











---------- Post added at 03:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:21 PM ----------

Oh forgot it is a 1937 Krieghoff.

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[zeleny]

I have a question of the finish loss on this Krieghoff luger. This has been in a friend's collection since the 60's. He said he got it off the vet who brought it back. And the story was the vet found a downed german aircraft, and got this luger off the german in the plane. It was supposively covered in blood when he got it, and it removed the finish on the gun. What do you guys think of the pictures. Is that consistant with blood marks? [...] Oh forgot it is a 1937 Krieghoff.

I have a 1937 Krieghoff Luger with similar finish loss. Only the surface oxidation has been affected. There is no discernible pitting or roughness in the finish under the whitened spots. I have pored over Randall Gibson's Krieghoff book to no avail. The pistol is one of my favorite shooters, with laser-like accuracy exceeding that of my best SIG P210. Thanks to the finish loss, I have no qualms about shooting it.

[villiers]

The "blood" theory is old hat. Was concocted to increase the value of "bring backs" by adding a spot of dramatics to what was very likely a PX purchase.. Loss of blueing could result from a number of different causes, tanning chemicals in the holster leather, or some form of spillage etc. etc. Krieghoff did not use the same blueing method as DWM (rust blueing) or the same chemical formula as Mauser.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Agree with villers. 'Blood pitting' makes an interesting tale and it's been used forever to glamorize finish loss.

Regardless, I'd still love to have that one as it is to use as a shooter.

[jmoore]

I've seen bluing loss from blood and/or brains that were left on weapons for some length of time (mostly from cleaning out evidence rooms at local sherriff's offices, etc.), and this doesn't seem to qualify.

Patterning is all wrong for starters. Also usually a little more pitting where the "fluids" were thickest.

The defined edges would be pretty normal, but that's about it.

[DaveN]

He did ask " what is a fair price?" I myself would like to know and also would it be ok to re finish(have it restored or reblued) or leave it alone, and I'll bet I already know the answer to that one.

[Johnny Peppers]

Looks like someone used a little Naval Jelly on a rag to clean up some surface rust. Looks like you can see the form of the guys finger in some areas. Since is is not accumulated wear, looks like a candidate for a nice restoration. Hot salt blue is available at just about every gun shop, but not everyone knows how to prepare a scarce pistol for refinishing. Bubba with the pistol pressed between his belly and the buffing wheel is not what you need.

[browningautorifle]

I had an AK that was taken from a dead Turkish soldier during the war in Cyprus in 1974 and the rust is most agressive. The side that was next to the ground is minor pitting and the blood rust looks like a tar and chip road. I agree this would be Naval Jelly or some product like it. Maybe lemon juice too.

[AR-50A1]

Should anyone reading this thread like to see what this particular example turned into after restoration please click on this link Krieghoff serial numbers - updated 11/01/15 - Page 18 .

I am the proud owner of this piece and I make no excuses for it.

Bill