RED FLAG

[Chukar60]

Do these stamps look phony? Re-stamped?
I am guessing this is a pre-model gun and someone stamped over the assembly #'s.
There were no pictures available of the SN on the butt. I lost interest as soon as I saw this.

[g8rb8]

K404485 should be circa 1960.
Mode1 14 (no dash) was circa 1957-1959.
Given the discrepancies in some serial numbers and date ranges the serial number is conceivably correct for a Model 14 (no dash). The wear in this the area of the serial number looks like it could be commensurate with the wear I see on the recoil shields. I have seen a fair number of frames with over stamps on the model number. Based on what I see I would hesitate to call it phony without more investigation.

[JSR III]

It happens. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Chukar60]

Originally Posted by JSR III

It happens. I wouldn't worry about it.

Not being cynical here, but is it the over stamps you would not worry about or just let the gun slide and forget it?

Trying to get some education here. First time I have run into it.

[Modified]

From just that picture, comparing that wear to what I see on the recoil shield I wouldn't have a problem buying that gun.

From *just that picture* though. How does the rest of the gun look?

[beagleye]

Looks funky to me. You can see the reverse impression of that bad stamping on the yolk. Looks like they went overboard on an overstamp. For me, anything on the internet that trips a red flag generally triggers a full stop. Buying guns sight unseen is to full of pitfalls even when everything go smoothly.

[murphydog]

I think you touched on the key point; what is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame?

However, there are plenty of original model 14s available, and this one looks fairly worn, so if your gut tells you there is something wrong with this one that should be a pass.

[glowe]

If you are looking at a shooter, and not a collectible, why not buy it? If the serial number is legitimate on the butt, if the gun shows original condition and configuration, if the gun works well, and if the price is right, buy it and enjoy shooting at the range.

[Art Doc]

If the number is clear on the butt I would use that and ignore the messed number under the crane. If the number on the butt is also screwed up or unclear then I walk away.

[44wheelman]

There's enough wear that it doesn't seem to be a collectible. There would be no premium over a non model marked... Meaning there was no economic incentive to add the stamping. I would forget about what's in the crane, and evaluate the gun based on the rest of the condition.

I once bought a 14-2 4" gun with a box that had the end label with the writtting written over by someone in another color. I thought for a second someone was trying to pull a fast one on me...you know switch barrels of a mod 15. Except that the gun was priced cheaper than a 15. So I didn't worry about it; it was a great gun.

[Chukar60]

The dilemma on this one was it was being offered as a model 14 no dash 4 screw, 4". Worn, but how many of them do you see.

The gun is gone now. So no worries. Somebody knew more than I did or took the chance.