[Guest]

Hello everyone. I just purchased a WWII Mauser dated 1939 P.08 that has a dull reddish color to the upper receicer. Is this correct. It was sold as original and I have only seen small gun parts with this type of coloring. Thanks.

ED

 

[leondes]

Hi ecke55,

Without seeing the gun, I would guess that is correct. I have a similar one that is absolutely original. I have observed that finish on other P.08s and P.38s as well.

The generally accepted explanation for that finish is that the blueing salts were either chemically out of balance or the temperature of the solution was wrong or both. Some have speculated that the metal composition could also have something to do with it.

Just my opinion.

Regards, Leon

 

[Frank]

Ed, Leon is absolutely correct! The coloration is mostly referred to as a "Plum" Color and is found on many 1939 and early 1940 Lugers.

 

[Thor]

Here was my 1938 plum Luger that I used to own! I hate that I sold it, but it was necessary at the time. Next to it is a 1939 that is non plum salt blued for comparision.

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[leondes]

Hi Thor,

That plum colored P.08 is drop dead gorgeous. Was it nearer a copper color or plum?

Regards, Leon

 

[Guest]

ALCON:

Many Thanks. My faith is affirmed that I did not puurchase a pig-in-the-pock! I love that blumb color- very distinctive. I also love my new hobby- the collecting of Lugers. Few other firearms have such a history. These are also one of the most accurate pistols I have ever shot- this I believe is due to the fact that the barrel does not pivot in its action, but retains an in-line action of travel. I wish that Lugers were re-introduced in 10mm and 45 ACP. Thanks all.


Ed

 

[bigron]

my 1938 luger has a plum side plate but spotie same color though you know purple and blue mixed , and front and rear grip straps spotie to is that common and also the firing pin but not as purple has a purple tint same color though the same exect color of your 1938 luger thor ,i thought it was just the blueing wereing off,.

 

[leondes]

I can't verify it but I have had some old time collectors tell me that they had an all blue Luger in the '50s that gradually turned the plum color, on some parts, over the years. Anyone else heard of this?

Regards, Leon

 

[BJD SASS 2548LTG]

I had posted this 1939/42 P08 earlier, describig it as 'straw/brown'colored. Would it be considered 'plum' colored? I'm not very good at colors

I have shown it beside my 42/byf:



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[Jan C Still]

BJD
"I had posted this 1939/42 P08 earlier, describig it as 'straw/brown'colored."
Your Luger has a seriously damaged finish or a crude attempt has been made to refinish it.

In my experience the red finish is mostly confined to the receiver on proper original finish Mauser Lugers (1939 and 1940 dated). The receiver is harder than other parts and the blue does not take as well when the temperature or formula is not correct.
Jan

 

[Thor]

Leon, it was absolutely a deep red/purple color, alas, it has went to another caretaker. I bought it simply because I was stunned by the color, a good record of an historical "mistake" IMO. The extractor was really redder due to the hardness of the part and the other treatment Jan Still mentioned.

 

[leondes]

Hi Thor,

Thanks for the reply. Ain't hindsight great!!

I was asking because I have a P.38 that has a very definite copper (like electric motor windings) color on the frame. The finish didn't hold up well, at all.

Regards, Leon

 

[Thor]

Leon, GT Tomek has shown many quite a few P.38s that have various shades of purple/copper/blue/black, amazing! He gave me a Bayonet that is really red/purple and I still have that one!

 

[BJD SASS 2548LTG]

Jan;

O.K. if the finish is shot, would it be O.K. to get it reblued?
I didn't pay that much for it and it's in great mechanical shape. I don't think I'm going to affect the collector value that much by getting it reblued, or am I?

Thanks

 

[Thor]

Walter is you do get it reblued, please consider us at TLSS, we are a Luger restoration business. Here are a few examples. Double Click on Each for a larger picture.


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