Recent content by Gringo

You are correct. It has been dipped by the Russians when it was taken into their possession. Many of these were imported by the company listed under the back of the tang. Many received the Russian 'X' as well as the dip, some did not for whatever reason lost to history. I am not familiar with...

I'm not sure there's a lot you can do to 'treat' phosphate. I've owned several phosphate rifles and pistols over the last 30 years, and it's kind of a weird finish. I've never personally had a finish change on me due to keeping it clean with ballistol or CLP. But clearly, the finishes can change...

In as well.

Some additional photos from the Legacy ad. Interesing casting flaw on the front grip strap. @bolas can you post up some more pictures of the K-block? It would be nice to see the inside of it.

This just sold recently on Legacy. Interesting that some A/B block pistols were assembled from parts in 1945 after the move to Steyr area. What a confusing time and York does a great job trying to connect the dots of production during this period.

Definitely served with the Navy at some point. I believe that the grip strap markings are more consistent with Weimar or even NS era service. The other markings certainly look period, but I've never seen them before. Is the magazine matching?

The number you are seeing on the holster is likley an RBN and not a serial number. The German military stopped serializing leather goods very early in the war. The only exception I can remotely think of, and I cannot speak to it in any detail, is possibly scope cases and such that went with...

Only the very early Walther (and some by AEG) were stamped with the E/359. The very, very early ones were serial numbered. Posselt only has 5 lines interrupted around the grip screw. There are plenty of fakes out there, but I think your's are legit. Post a clear pic of the inside and I'll...

A definite tell for all Walther and Mauser P38's is the locking block, and especially the locking block pin. Both of those will be in the white, and although the locking block can easily be cleaned up, the pin cannot. This has all the external hallmarks of a refinished pistol. The grips are made...

This is also a really good book with lots and lots of phtographs. It also contains date ranges and various contracts. It does not focus strictly on SS guns which is a plus. It also covers post-war, police, engraved and purpose made guns as well as holsters. Over 450 pages if you can find one.

This is absolutely painful to look at. A solid $2k+ pistol ruined by someones shenanigans. I don't even want to know if there are matching magazines.

Another factor involved is that most sellers don't know what they are selling when it comes to these. They can be difficult to find, simply because you'd have to look at every single WW1/Weimar/WW2 luger offered for sale. I came across one a while back simply offered as a WW1 luger. Had a nice...

Super nice, and very good write up.

Referred to as the 'horsehoe sear. The right grip is actually relieved in the area where it fits up against the grip to accomodate it. Not made for long as it apparently was not a very successful modification.