Hi,Just wanted to know if the white i see on the numbers and letters on some of the WW2 guns is original or just added to bring out the numbers better?And what is a way i can do it to my G33/40 with out herting it?Plain old chalk??Thanks i always thought it looked nice!
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Usually it is put on the guns so that the markings show up better in photos.
It's easy to remove.
You can buy "it" at a gun show. I don't know what it's called.
R.Blue -
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Thanks R.blue As the next time i go to a gun store or show i will ask for it as along as it does not hert the gun at all i like it as it realy brings it out and looks nicer!Thanks
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don't do it
IMO putting chalk in the markings makes the rifle look un-original.. I like to see the markings untouched so that I can better verify they are correct. If the Germans didn't put chalk in....neither should we.
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Some people just use a white crayonWAF LIFE COACHComment
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Thanks Guys!
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Hello, most dealers and collectors who want the markings to show strong use china white wax pencil. You can purchase them inexpensively $1 to $2 at an art store, or pay about double for them at a gun show (but save money on gas) .
They are similar to a white crayon but have a brighter white. and do not lose color as the crayon will. It can easily be removed with gun oil and a toothbrush or cloth.
Good Collecting, signalmanComment
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Interesting subject
I think we had a thread on this subject, maybe a couple years ago, on whether German arsenals ever actuall put white coloring in markings on weapons. Most collectors believe they didn't. However, the small town I grew up in Colorado had a lot of WW2 vets in our local gun club, and I got to see most of their bring back weapons as a kid. I saw two P-38's that had white in the markings, and both vets said they brought them back that way. I remember the discussion, as our local gunsmith had been an ordnance officer in the war (his Japanese M-1 copy is in the NRA museum) and he swore he had never seen one originally done, and the two vets swore they were that way when the took them off the respective Germans. I don't think anyone really knows for sure.
I worked in a weapons repair depot in Hawaii for a time, and when we refinished T&E mechabnisms and M.G. tripods, we rubbed white lead into the numbers to make them easier to read, but it never lasted long.
Cheers,
JohnnieComment
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Interesting.
I never knew that but always wondered what it was.Comment
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Yes, I started a thread on this subject several years ago on the white lettering. I was able to prove though factory advertisements, and wartime photos that some white lettering to firearms and other accessories was indeed original!!!
However, my conclusion was that since so many collectors and dealers have "added" white letter to thier guns post war to "enhance" them, it is impossible for anyone to draw a conclusion to which firearms/makers/years this was originally done!
So, thanks to all who have done this! Now, there is no way to tell which ones actually are original?
My personal opinion is this..... If it doesn't have it, DON'T Add it!
If it already has it, then leave it.
Matt
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I'm not really a firearm collector but do have a few nice pieces in the collection just for diversity.
None of mine have the white inlayed lettering but always wondered how it got there on others. Never really asked. Now I have an idea. Learn somethin' new everyday.
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I have highlighted some of my Lugers with a white chinagraph pencil, other i have not.
But a Krieghoff Luger, that i recently sold to a fellow forum member, already had the logo picked out in white. I believe this was factory applied as it was chipped and yellowed with age.
Take a look.......
Steve.Comment
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Hi Matt,
I remember the thread, and the ad photos you posted. I also agree with you, if the weapon doesn't have it, don't add it on.
Cheers,
Johnnie
Originally posted by Matt Weber View PostYes, I started a thread on this subject several years ago on the white lettering. I was able to prove though factory advertisements, and wartime photos that some white lettering to firearms and other accessories was indeed original!!!
However, my conclusion was that since so many collectors and dealers have "added" white letter to thier guns post war to "enhance" them, it is impossible for anyone to draw a conclusion to which firearms/makers/years this was originally done!
So, thanks to all who have done this! Now, there is no way to tell which ones actually are original?
My personal opinion is this..... If it doesn't have it, DON'T Add it!
If it already has it, then leave it.
MattComment
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Either way you go DO NOT USE CHALK!!! the chalk is abrasive.
JerryComment
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