bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,327
PzGren
Bravo sir...Bravo!
Now that's what I'm talking about with a rust blued finish!
Bravo sir...Bravo!
Now that's what I'm talking about with a rust blued finish!
Blue it, leave it alone, or......
- Thread starter NIGHTLORD40K
- Start date
- Status
Jim Watson
Member
There is collector interest in Radoms and there are a number of variations to increase the fun.
I can't read the markings on yours, but it is at least a "three lever" gun.
Does it have Polish markings, German markings, both? Is the mainspring housing grooved for a shoulder stock?
From what I can see in pictures and recollections from gun shows, the original finish was a very smooth but not gloss blue, probably rust blue. German controlled production got down to a brush blue before hitting the bottom of the barrel and going with Parkerizing.
What I don't know is whether that collector would prefer no finish or a correct refinish.
He would certainly not want a buffed blue or bead blast blue or coating or plating.
I can't read the markings on yours, but it is at least a "three lever" gun.
Does it have Polish markings, German markings, both? Is the mainspring housing grooved for a shoulder stock?
From what I can see in pictures and recollections from gun shows, the original finish was a very smooth but not gloss blue, probably rust blue. German controlled production got down to a brush blue before hitting the bottom of the barrel and going with Parkerizing.
What I don't know is whether that collector would prefer no finish or a correct refinish.
He would certainly not want a buffed blue or bead blast blue or coating or plating.
Last edited:
Average collector is not going to want it messed with in any way unless someone had a time machine.
Its always tempting to do this stuff to collectables but with rare stuff just not worth it. I can see it with shooter grade stuff but nice examples of these old historical pieces are just too hard to come by. Most collectors hand on to the really nice stuff to the end. That Broomhandle was a decent good canditate as it was pretty ugly and looked to have some pitting here and there. That being said I have an all matching war time PO8 and I am not touching it. I kind of draw the line at Historical all matching guns regardless of condition unless its just horrific. Most hard core collectors of historical stuff care more about original condition and matching numbers than performance/shootability or protection from the elements. They look at these old pieces as a time capsule of sorts and want original condition or as close to it as possible. As gun ownership continues to grow more people develop a true appreciation for historical firearms and the prices continue to skyrocket as a result. Nice thing about original condition is you know what you are getting. Once a firearm has been refurbished you really have no idea what kind of shape it was in originally. This is another factor that gives pause to collectors with deep pockets.
Nice Radoms are pretty sought after. There was even talk a while back about Radom bringing them back but it never materialized. Many believe it to be the best handgun of WW2.
I try to talk sense into people about stuff like this but you can only do so much. In the end its more of a process of minimizing the damage because people are stuborn and dont like to be told not to do things.... I get it. People also like projects... Lots of broken and abused stuff out there experiment with far lass desirable and affordable than a nice historical piece. I started with airguns... then move to zamak SNS types.... and up from there. After a while you develop the skillset and you can make some really nice firearms from junk and it becomes a satisfying process.... as long as you have some boundaries. I have seen people do some really stupid things with rare guns. Paint over cherry S&W vintage revolvers.... Trick out collector grade 1911s etc. Even some prototypes on the collectors market have been molested.
I had been frustrated with rust bluing since the turn of the millenium. Practice makes perfect and on the C96 I tried to stick to the same polishing method that Mauser had used. Not that it really matters, my son doesn't care so much, he is just fascinated with that old piece and the fact that his great grandfather had carried one at Verdun. The bore is toast and he will eventually need to have it relined. Maybe his department will let him carry it in 9mm
.
Last edited:
I believe that there was a small run manufactured. I saw one new Radom barrel pop up for sale in Germany about a dozen years ago but wasn't lucky enough to buy it for my Radom VIS35, which had a dark bore but still shot well.
Jim Watson
Member
I think Norway built a few 1914s to explore old tech, too; but bought Glock.
OP
OP
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
That Broomie is sweet!
GunnyUSMC
Member
It’s not a regular import TT33 Tokarev. Also not pitted, just rust stains. It’s a 1940 Tula TT33 that is not import stamped and has no added safety. Also look closely at the firing pin retaining pin. It’s been replaced with a nail that has been pinged on both sides, a common field repair found on Tokarevs picked from VC.
OP
OP
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Ah, gotcha.
wiscoaster
Member
Just polish it and make it nice and shiny. I guarantee you'll turn heads at the range.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
