Paint Filled Serial Numbers

[Mariner]

I went to a gun show and came across a K98K with its serial numbers filled with white paint. Does this affect the value / collectibility of these guns?

 

[PatickD]

No… it’s usually just white chalk. That can be brushed out.

 

[Mariner]

No… it’s usually just white chalk. That can be brushed out.

Gotcha. Thank you.

 

[CanadianAR]

It’s sometimes a paint called China white, or white grease pencil. Both of which can be difficult to remove but can be done.
I use a little solvent, wooden tooth picks and a brass bristle brush.

It has been known to be used to hide issues though in recent times so you need to know the subject matter.

 

[Philip]

More often lacquer sticks are used and if so some type of solvent like acetone or even hoppes 9 will work in conjunction with a brush to clean it out. No big deal

 

[Mariner]

It’s sometimes a paint called China white, or white grease pencil. Both of which can be difficult to remove but can be done.
I use a little solvent, wooden tooth picks and a brass bristle brush.

It has been known to be used to hide issues though in recent times so you need to know the subject matter.

Hide issues such as?

 

[RyanE]

Hide issues such as?

Fake serial numbers. The grease/whatever can hide the signs of engraving work.

 

[Mariner]

Fake serial numbers. The grease/whatever can hide the signs of engraving work.

Ah gotcha. Thank you.

 

[Bob in OHIO]

example...

 

[chrisftk]

Fake serial numbers. The grease/whatever can hide the signs of engraving work.

I've also found that it makes it difficult to detect a reblue on a Luger because it makes the halos harder to see.

 

[kwc271]

I’ve used just a plain white crayons crayon. Helps me see markings better and is easily removed with a wood toothpick