MG81 flash-hider(s)

[OdiWan72]

A few days ago, I purchased a real MG81 flash-hider (which was used as the muzzle on Han Solos ANH hero blaster, for the few who don´t know ).

Obviously it was not meant as an addition to my personal ANH blaster, due to its poor condition.
It was more of a conversation piece which I intend to display along with my blaster.

Parallely I received an offer for the following item, as you can see in much better condition!
I am still trying to get more information about "structural integrity", whether it is somewhat cleanable with a wire-brush etc...

What do you think, Is it still worth buying?
If so, what would YOU pay for it (seller gave me his pricetag already, but I want to get an idea what it´d be worth to you/ us SW people?!)???

Thanks in advance for your input

Markus

 

[OdiWan72]

70 views and nobody has an opinion about this?
I really thought with all the recent hype about the Han ANH blaster, due to DEC's wonderful kit, there would be a bit more interest in original vintage found parts....

Maybe the real blaster guys didn't log in by now.
I might be a tiiiiiiny bit impatient since the seller is waiting for my reply :lol

Markus

 

[Marv]

Wouldn't know if its worth buying without a price tag?

 

[DARKSIDE72]

It's a rare piece but, a far cry from being in serviceable condition. It looks like it's rusting away. What was the price?

 

[Marv]

What kind of metal is it?

 

[Darth Lars]

It is a very rare piece even among vintage gun collectors. Most boosters on the MG81 did not have any flash hider cone. Therefore, I can understand if the seller has set a high price tag on it.

Personally, I would only be interested in a replica. In either case, these are some good shots to compare replicas against. Thanks for sharing them.

 

[OdiWan72]

Seller is asking 200 Euro :/

To me it is comparable with the efforts to get all real parts to build an Obi ANH saber. I have seen plenty with less than good grenades, still some people prefer a real -possibly crappy- 'nade or booster over a pristine reproduction.

The outside of the flashhider seems ok, but I don't know what to do with the inside. Is all we see actual rust or also crusted earth, oils and grime?!

Markus

 

[Marv]

Pm'd you

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

Buy it! That's a great price.

 

[DARKSIDE72]

Yea this. Buy it and carefully remove the rust and grime to prevent future damage.

Buy it! That's a great price.

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

Very cool! Was the first one a dug relic? It looks like some of the dug U.S. Civil War stuff my dad collects.

 

[OdiWan72]

yep, the first one is dug relic

ok, I bit the bullet and bought it.
Thanks to all those who expressed interest in purchasing it themself

Markus

 

[ColeHorton]

Definitely a cool find. Can't wait to see what you make of it Markus.

 

[OdiWan72]

HEY COLE How are you doing ?

YEP, despite its condition a cool find, that´s why I bought the dug fh at first...

Markus

 

[scottjua]

Crap... just seeing this... I would totally have bought that. And WILL from you if you decide cash is more worthwhile....

 

[Marv]

Crap... just seeing this... I would totally have bought that. And WILL from you if you decide cash is more worthwhile....

I think Marcus sees this one as a keeper, that's what I PM'd about.

 

[OdiWan72]

I will definately keep this...at least that is the plan :lol

Received the dug relic in the meantime and tracking info about the "better" flashhider
Will let you guys know when I have it in hand

Markus

 

[redfive]

NICE!!

Grüße aus Köln
Andreas

 

[OdiWan72]

Small update...

I started with this:


Gave it a few treatments with de-rusting compound:


and got this:


As you can see there is quite a bit of pitting and surface damage left, but it should give the fh some character, once reblued
Already applied two coats of blueing compound and like the finish so far...still undecided if I should put it on my Han ANH blaster or not!?
I actually like my blaster the way it appears now...

Pic(s) of the finished flashhider soon!

Markus

 

[jkno]

I missed this thread so far and seems you bought the original flash hider. It looks really cool, not perfect condition but for all real prop replica this will work ok IMO. Nothing better than original parts like the screen used ones when making an accurate prop.

There are fans who prefer the props idealized as seen on screen, fans who prefer them completely accurate with all the dents present in the screen used prop (if possible with real parts), fans who are in between, and fans who don't care about anything as long as they have a nice prop on a shelf. There is enough room for everyone, but IMO the best props next to the screen used ones, will be the ones using the exact materials like the screen used ones.