[Luke]

Luger Loading Tools are frequently listed on eBay.

Those made in Finland are easy to spot because of their unique shape. However, the others appear in the eBay pictures to be exactly like the reproductions I bought from Sarco a couple of years ago for $6.00/ea.

Is there any way to uniquely identify a genuine WW-I loading tool to distinguish it from the reproductions?

Thanks,
Luke

 

[lugerholsterrepair]

Luke, Measurements are the best way but not foolproof. If it measures out to the exact specs of an original with a dial caliper you will need to look at finish and proofing. All of these together will lead to a conclusion but it could still be wrong.

On very valuble tools such as Police Eagle L, K, F ,C or say Krieghoffs or Navy's I have sent them to someone more knowledgable than myself for analysis if I was unsure.

On the average run of the mill tool you should be wary of too good a blue or too black. On proofs, if the proof is too fat look out! It should be sharp and crisp. As with any antiquity it is important to look at the small details, then the big picture. Jerry Burney

 

[Luke]

Hello Jerry -

Thanks for the good advice. I have several of the Sarco $6/ea type, and they are of good quality, so I can use them as a reference for measurements of repro types.

Can anyone provide the exact measurements of known good loading tools? Would very much appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Luke

 

[lugerholsterrepair]

Luke someone, I forget who answered your question on John's Luger Forum and had the exact measurements. I believe thickness is just under one tenth of an inch. This is the most important measurement. He also had some good advice .J erry

 

[Pete E.]

Hi Luke,

I have emailed you a photo scan of a blue print from Nico Van Gjin's publishings...

 

[Luke]

Hi Pete,

Received. Thank you very much. Must confess that I am not familiar with Nico Van Gjin's publications. Can you enlighten? Thanks.

Luke

 

[Luke]

I have ONE authentic WW-I loading tool, purchased from Tom Heller about a year ago. While I am comfortable that Tom can tell the difference, I only have this one item for reference purposes, and it appears to be a Weimar era tool based on the unit markings.

Differences between Sarco Repro and this one authentic example:

1. They are both stamped from sheet metal, but the edges on the Sarco have been smoothed to some degree. The edges on the authentic tool are considerably rougher.

2. The small rim on the lower left side of the hole, created by offset machining with some rotary machine tool is more much more pronounced and more visible on the Sarco than the authentic tool. Both are thin on the very edge, providing excellent operational characteristics.

3. The "screwdriver" point is more rounded on the Sarco version.

4. The "ears" on either side of the hole are more squared on the authentic version.

5. The radius of the top is noticibly smaller on the Sarco, but the bend radius is tighter on the authentic version.

6. Both tools have a machined channel on the backside. On the Sarco the long side of the channel is beveled.



Download Attachment: Sarco vs Authentic Tools.jpg
83.95KB

 

[lugerholsterrepair]

Luke, You have observed some of the finer points of identification...Good Job. I suppose someone should take this subject to the nth degree and write up a couple of pages then list it in the FAQ here. That would be helpful for subsequent members who want to know. Jerry Burney

 

[Luke]

I am probably beating a dead horse here, but I just noticed that a loading tool sold on eBay for $32.00. Close examination of the two photos shows that this loading tool is EXACTLY like my Sarco reproductions which I bought for $6. The seller even states that this might be a reproduction, but it brought a premium price anyway. Amazing!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13965&item=2292752825&rd=1

 

[Guest]

Hi Luke,

Fist my writing will be not without mistakes (forgive me I'm living in Holland.
About your question about the tool.
I have one from WW I it has a stamp on it crown over S so far I can see. I bought a holster and the originale P08 (luger)Date holster and gun 1915. Use also in WW II also a stamp wehrmacht abname-stempel(waa..) in the holster
inside I found the tool.
I never saw a tool ho was blue or black (and when they are than they were not originale, repro.)
I cannot tell you anything about the tool in WW II, I saw a lot of but never bought one. I'm visiting very often mil meetings I will look for one and let you know , if still intersting in it

wkr
Harrie

quote:Originally posted by Luke

Luger Loading Tools are frequently listed on eBay.

Those made in Finland are easy to spot because of their unique shape. However, the others appear in the eBay pictures to be exactly like the reproductions I bought from Sarco a couple of years ago for $6.00/ea.

Is there any way to uniquely identify a genuine WW-I loading tool to distinguish it from the reproductions?

Thanks,
Luke

 

[lugerlou]

Harrie

Seasons greetings and welcome to the forum..Do not worry to much about your English( our Deutch is not the best either) Could you post pictures of your 1915 luger and holster under the heading Imperial lugers 1900 to 1918.

Thanks