Another from the depths of the safe.
This is definitely one of my "very last to go" firearms. It came brand spanking new from the old Army, West Berlin "Rod and Gun Club". For years it had a perfect "melted licorice" factory finish. Never did like it but got out of the finish in a very unexpected manner.
After getting out of the Army the first time, I took a job elsewhere doin' stuff and filled out one of the State Department's "return cards" and took this with me. About all that was available was corrosive and at best questionable ammo. Cleaning supplies were kinda limited as well; gasoline, diesel, kerosene and the like. One day I figured to really get at it and bought some dishwashing detergent in a market and set up a pot on our stove to heat some water.
Water gets hot, soap goes in the water, CZ bits got in the water and we get a call to go to a place to do a thing. I figure, what harm? Won't likely be gone long, I'll shut the heat off and take care of it when I get back. As I'm shutting it off, I notice significantly more grunge than I had expected amongst the bubbles and set it down to nasty ammo.
On getting back, the bubbles are gone but there's a nearly tar-like surface to the water. It took a butt-load of rinsing but when done, I realized that I had zero finish left. OK, not to worry, I'll paint it and keep it super oiled till I return to the U.S.
On the return, I had it in a soft case and somehow it had leeched off the oil I had applied but the case had absorbed a lot of humidity and kept the pistol super damp the whole trip.
So, is it ugly? It may have the figure of a Czech super model but it has the complexion of a crack-whore. And, as they say, true beauty is on the inside and inside, it's factory perfect!