I've an opportunity to pick up a 1941 BYF
 

It is all matching, probablyt 95% + condition original finish, at least as clean as the similar pistol a thread below. Comes with one numbers matching fXo magazine. no holster. He has a price that seems reasonable, if not a scosh too high. What would you guys think it would be worth? I've some money coming and can afford his price (i'll keep quiet on that until I get some idea's from ya'll). It looks not a lot different than the one in the other thread, maybe a bit more "fresh" as in not de-blued very much from a holster and such.

What would you guys pay?

I think that I need way more info and photos, but just on the description you have given I'm guessing you are in for about $2k. Maybe a bit more if all your descriptions are accurate. But please provide photos ASAP.
dju

Unfortunately I am not in possession of the piece. He's a bit high at 3k for it but a final price has not been negotiated. It looks almost new and every little part is correct and the same wear (none really) on the finish, so I don't think it's been force matched. I don't think a BYF is rare enough to justify that price tho even with a matching mag. Am I off my nut? I'm hoping to get it for 2500

I would not pay $2500 for it.

Here is a data point for you. I have a byf 42 that I paid $1400 for perhaps five years ago on this forum. No holster and no loading tool. Unmarked fxo magazine. In beautiful condition, probably 98% blue.

David

Will the seller give you a 3 day non-shooting inspection? Or let you get a bunch of photos to float here? If the answer is no consider that to be a very red flag.
The reason I'm skeptical is that very rarely does the gun match the original description, expecially 95% finish, matching mag. Not necessarily out of planned deception, but general lack of knowledge. And even if it does, the price on this one is still painfully high.
dju

I've handled the piece. . .
 

myself. It's sharp that is for sure and it has a matching aluminium button FXO max (that aluminum mag bottom on an fXO mag is what throws me, I've had my hands on a couple, even one for my buddy's MP40, NONE of the luge mags had alum. buttons) is that even correct for an fxo? As nice as the piece is, ought I pay more than say 2k?

Does the magazine's numbers use the same font as the pistol's numbers?
Does it have the same letter suffix, (if any), as the pistol?
Is there an "+" sign on it?
Is there an acceptance code, (eagle with number) on it?

Lacking any photos, straightening out the mag issue would go a long way to postulating whether the balance of the gun itself has been messed with.