Luger Type "Halos" Also Characteristic Of Colt TSMG Original F

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

The Luger collector community puts their faith in the originality of the bluing finish on Imperial Lugers if the serial number stamped on the underside of the barrel exhibits halos/frosting effect around the numbers.

 

It appears that this same effect is present around the "U.S. NAVY" and "8" overstamp on Colt TSMGs as well as the John H. Barrett inspector cartouche.

 

 

[BRMCII]

Typical of the edges of any stamp impression that is not ground back after stamping. The displaced metal has to go somewhere and it forms almost microscopic "berms" as the die figure pushes the metal sideways when the die sinks into the metal on impact or pressure. It is basically a "ripple" effect.

I assume that is what you are observing.....FWIW

[TD.]

Excellent post Arthur. I wonder if this same standard could be applied to the index line on the barrel collar. I have seen index lines on the barrel collar of Colt's that appear to have been stamped with the barrel not installed And some that appear to have been stamped with the barrel installed. This fits right in with the Type 2 Compensator discussions.

[dalbert]

Arthur,

 

Are you a Luger collector?

 

David

[Bill in VA]

I'm not Arthur, but I collect Lugers. Pre-war Lugers do exhibit a halo effect around certain numbers that were stamped after the gun was blued, most notable the barrel and frame serial numbers. The halo results from metal displacement and the consequent disruption of the finish. A refinished gun will not have this halo effect even if the metal was not ground/polished/buffed. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but it would be extremely difficult to fake a halo.

[dalbert]

I only have 2 Lugers so far, but intend to add more. I've had an Erfurt 1918/1920 for 33 years, and I bought a Swiss 06/29 late last year. My objective is to get all the Swiss versions, along with the major toggle stamps, such as DWM, banner Mauser, Krieghoff, and Simson. I'd also love to have a U.S. Test gun, and a commercial American Eagle.

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

 

My 2 Lugers:

 

[Bill in VA]

Nice guns, Albert. I have a couple dozen...mostly Erfurts. No Swiss, no Krieghof or Vickers either. Only one Simson and three (?) Mausers. I do have a couple commercial guns: a 1906 AE and the typical DWM “Alphabet.” Likewise, I have the requisite nickle plated P.08 (1915 DWM) everyone needs in their Luger collection.

 

[dalbert]

Nice guns, Albert. I have a couple dozen...mostly Erfurts. No Swiss, no Krieghof or Vickers either. Only one Simson and three (?) Mausers. I do have a couple commercial guns: a 1906 AE and the typical DWM “Alphabet.” Likewise, I have the requisite nickle plated P.08 (1915 DWM) everyone needs in their Luger collection.

 

Bill in VA,

 

Very nice collection!

 

David

[ppgcowboy]

David, you need to create a member level called Museum. Me i'm just a one upper. I have 1 Luger, one Thompson, one of about 100 others, but 4 10/22's.