refurbishing

drvr_8 · 12-09-2008, 10:36 AM

i have an old luger that i have considered refurbishing and i would like to hear some insight on how this may diminish its value. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Edward Tinker · 12-09-2008, 10:46 AM

Jonathan, I will move this to either the repair section or new collectors section.

if yours is a mismatch or badly pitted then it would probably be fine.

Refinishing will make a collector gun a "shooter" that is now pretty. A "restoration" will destroy the collector value but be done much more proefessionally with corect bluing etc, and also cost twice as much or more.

Usually leaving them alone is best, but it depends on the shape it is in to start with.

Ed

drvr_8 · 12-09-2008, 06:17 PM

thanks for the heads up. i guess i'd really like to take it to someone who knows what they are doing and have them put their hands on it and make recommendations. do you happen to know anyone in the north atlanta, ga area?

Navy · 12-10-2008, 10:52 AM

There is a real paucity of competent Luger restoration specialists today. It takes decades of experience and an encyclopedic knowledge of metalurgy, chemistry and history to be competent at this arcane skill.

Having said that, to answer your value question, it is generally accepted that a re-finished/restored piece is worth about what an unfutzed with example in 70% is worth.

Tom A

12-09-2008, 10:36 AM	#1
drvr_8 New User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	refurbishing i have an old luger that i have considered refurbishing and i would like to hear some insight on how this may diminish its value. any help would be greatly appreciated.

12-09-2008, 10:46 AM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,033 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Jonathan, I will move this to either the repair section or new collectors section. if yours is a mismatch or badly pitted then it would probably be fine. Refinishing will make a collector gun a "shooter" that is now pretty. A "restoration" will destroy the collector value but be done much more proefessionally with corect bluing etc, and also cost twice as much or more. Usually leaving them alone is best, but it depends on the shape it is in to start with. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

12-09-2008, 06:17 PM	#3
drvr_8 New User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	thanks for the heads up. i guess i'd really like to take it to someone who knows what they are doing and have them put their hands on it and make recommendations. do you happen to know anyone in the north atlanta, ga area?

12-10-2008, 10:52 AM	#4
Navy RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dc 'burbs in Virginia Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 10 Posts	There is a real paucity of competent Luger restoration specialists today. It takes decades of experience and an encyclopedic knowledge of metalurgy, chemistry and history to be competent at this arcane skill. Having said that, to answer your value question, it is generally accepted that a re-finished/restored piece is worth about what an unfutzed with example in 70% is worth. Tom A