Can this be original finish?

[BC38]

I'm looking at these pics of an old prewar M&P 38, and the finish looks amazingly good. But all the indicators I'm seeing seem to point to it being original. Sideplate seam is tight, no buggered screws or dished screw holes, sharp rollmarks, light turn line, case coloring on trigger & hammer, hammer stud is still domed.
It looks too good to be true. What are the expert opinions, is this an original finish on a 90 or 100 year old gun - or just a really good reblue?
And what's it worth either way?

P.S. Obviously the stocks are MUCH newer, what would most likely be the correct ones for it? I'm thinking round top service stocks with medallions?

 

[BC38]

Some more pictures

 

[Targets Guy]

What is the s/n? The knob on the extractor knob would indicate the 1920's but the s/n would nail it down. Your grips are from the mid 60s and later.

All of the following are original finish (or what's left of it) and matching grips.

1914


1924
do betta fish tanks need air pumps

1939


1946
uploadpics

FYI the single line stamp of "Made in USA" was originally ordered in May of 1922. The four line stamp came along in 1948.

I am not a finish expert but if I had to guess I would say your finish is original.

 

[k22fan]

Its bluing looks original. As posted above it dates frome the start of stamping MADE IN USA to the discontinuation of the mushroom extractor rod tip. That is such a narrow range that the specific year would only matter to very few people so there's no need for its serial number.

Unlike plastic fantastic gotta have 'em panic pistols, IMO, it is a luxury discretionary item that is primarily of interest to, (how to put this politely?), stunningly hansom senior forum members with wash board abs. As their stored funds plummet into the abyss with the rest of the stock market so will its value. Are you asking us to speculate what it might sell for this week, next week, the week after or ...

 

[weatherby]

The pin that the stocks was covering looks nicely domed. ....that's a good indication of original finish.

 

[BC38]

The pin that the stocks was covering looks nicely domed. ....that's a good indication of original finish.

Yeah, the domed hammer stud, the rollmarks, and the side seam all seem to indicate no significant buffing having been done.

I just got the SN from the owner, and it is 5786XX so that should narrow down the year.

So with its age, original finish, and incorrect stocks, what would be an approximate value on this one? Given that there were so many made, and specimens with less finish can be had for $250 +/- I'm thinking maybe $400 tops?

 

[k22fan]

Before the virus scare and bear stock market $400 would have been a buyer's dream price. $350 out the door would have bought you a worn police surplus Model 10 or an almost new current production Model 10. Neither is a fair comparison. It's been along time since I've seen a K frame .38 Special for $250 that was not refinished or did not have some pitting. Those that I saw would shoot as good as new but were not much for collectors' items.

 

[BC38]

Before the virus scare and bear stock market $400 would have been a buyer's dream price. $350 would have bought you a worn police surplus Model 10 or an almost new current production Model 10. Neither is a fair comparison. It's been along time since I've seen a K frame .38 Special for $250 that was not refinished or did not have some pitting. Those that I saw would shoot as good as new but were not much for collectors' items.

Well, about 6 months ago I bought one with some finish wear and just a hint of light freckling for $225.

It sounds like you are of the opinion that my "guesstimate" of $400 is low. Having read many of your posts, I believe you have more expertise in this area than I do, so what would you be willing to pay for it?

 

[k22fan]

I should have made it clear the $350 for the Model 10s I described was out the door in our high sales tax state.

I buy guns to shoot so I do not shop for guns that have not been used. If I was in the market, $500? Members who seek out high condition Pre-WW II M&Ps can give you a better answer.

Is it owned by the same private party that sold you the adjustable sighted 2" Model 36? If so I'd ask what he wants and pay it with a smile. I can not imagine that the combined price for two would not look great. You want him to continue coming to you to sell what ever he's got.

 

[handejector]

NOT reblued.
Round top service grips with no medallions.

 

[BC38]

I should have made it clear the $350 for the Model 10s I described was out the door in our high sales tax state.

I buy guns to shoot so I do not shop for guns that have not been used. If I was in the market, $500? Members who seek out high condition Pre-WW II M&Ps can give you a better answer.

Is it owned by the same private party that sold you the adjustable sighted 2" Model 36? If so I'd ask what he wants and pay it with a smile. I can not imagine that the combined price for two would not look great. You want him to continue coming to you to sell what ever he's got.

LOL, no, the guy I bought the CST from is a completely different person.

But the guy who sold me the CST is the same one who offered me a refinished 6" round butt M&P for $300.

 

[BC38]

NOT reblued.
Round top service grips with no medallions.

Good info, thanks Lee.
Any input on value?

 

[handejector]

Nice, but not mint with that booger on the sideplate and several tiny handling marks/scratches and it needs grips which will NEVER be original, so it should not bring huge money.
As a dealer, I would not pay 400 and expect to make enough money to be worth my time.
As a collector, I would not pay over 400 and then hunt well fitting grips in high condition.

 

[glowe]

Show us the front of the mushroom shaped extractor rod knob. It is said by many hard-core collectors and experts that ALL were finished without bluing in the white and yours looks like it could be all blue??

 

[Old_Cop]

Looks good, I would happily pay $400.

 

[BC38]

Nice, but not mint with that booger on the sideplate and several tiny handling marks/scratches and it needs grips which will NEVER be original, so it should not bring huge money.
As a dealer, I would not pay 400 and expect to make enough money to be worth my time.
As a collector, I would not pay over 400 and then hunt well fitting grips in high condition.

So if I can get it for under $400 I'd be doing OK. Thanks!

 

[BC38]

Show us the front of the mushroom shaped extractor rod knob. It is said by many hard-core collectors and experts that ALL were finished without bluing in the white and yours looks like it could be all blue??

I don't have that photo to post, just the ones the seller gave me.
I'll be looking at it in person this weekend.

 

[bruce5781]

It looks legit from the photos. That being said, when you see it in person, the front of the extractor road knob should not be blued. This is the line I pay most attention to when making final decisions as to finish.

Regards,
Bruce

 

[ralph7]

It looks legit from the photos. That being said, when you see it in person, the front of the extractor road knob should not be blued. This is the line I pay most attention to when making final decisions as to finish.

Regards,
Bruce

That's a new one on me. When did this practice stop?

 

[Targets Guy]

That s/n would put the gun shipping in 1927. s/n 5791xx shipped 12/27.