How to spot original Luger wood grips from repro

[Siegfried1234]

Gentlemen,
Can experts please help me and others by posting info on how to tell Original wooden Luger grips from reproduction on this thread please. Having looked at pictures of original ones and repro wooden grips the only thing I notice is the repro wooden grips seem to be thicker in profile when seen edge on and often have a sizeable gap 3 mm before the cross hatch pattern starts at the edges. Originals seem to have the cross hatch pattern start right at the edge of the grips. Just what I seem to of noticed but I need expert help here to tell real from repro wooden grips. Can you help by posting images and info please. I appreciate it.

[phild]

You have to realize the reproduction Luger grips have been made in some numbers since at least the 1960s ( I can show you the listings from then) and by probably dozens of sources by now so there are many slight variations.

For me knowing the real ones from copies comes from handling maybe a thousand Lugers but I realize that is impossible for most people and is not time effective for anyone even if possible!

Fit, checkering size (many fakes are very fine and sharp, some even hurt to grip) and the rear are all points, as is wood type, age color and markings when supposed to be present as they were not always on originals.

Many fakes are not made from correct type of Walnut or late ww1 beech but rather black walnut or tropical woods.

[Johnny Peppers]

Your best bet is to check the back of the stocks. After 76 to 118 years the backs will show that they have been on a pistol that long with wear marks as well as the effects of oil and the elements.

This one is 104 years old, and on the original pistol.

[Siegfried1234]

Thank you so much gentleman for the picture and info, do you think the checkering is smaller and grip profile smaller on originals, I have been able to study original and some repro Luger grips and I think as a basic rule the fakes tend to be thicker and checker larger and sharper to the touch. Any other easier give away you can suggest? Thank you.