John,
Hope I can explain this properly. I'd bet you a lunch that if you could hold this Receiver/Barrel in your hand you might have second thoughts on whether it has been refinished. I've added another pic under the originals that I took with a crummy webcam but it shows a few things that might not be visible in the other pics.
When I first noticed the thin DWM stamp I was concerned, but if you look at the last two digits of the serial# 69 you'll notice that they're very deep and show no signs of polishing, etc.; also some machining lines are present and the rest of the finish shows evidence of the "scratch" marks left by the circular brushes used in the rust blueing process.
I don't know if DWM ever let a shallow logo stamp pass final inspection but if you look closely you'll see the front edge and lower loop of the D is very deep, it's just the rear part of the M and the loops that are thin and directly behind that is the deep 69. Maybe the die was cocked? who knows. Also, my camera did not pick up the visible holster wear on the left side of the barrel and at the muzzle. But really, if you could see it in real life I think you'd change your mind.
This sort of thing takes me back to the 1960s and 70s when I had a pretty nice collection of Early Grip Safeties. It was relatively easy to spot a pistol that had been refinished. It was almost impossible for even the best gunsmiths to replicate DWM's rust blueing process in my opinion.
I'd be willing to send this out to you or anyone who really knows their finishes and if I'm wrong I'll buy the lunch.
Respectfully,
Jerry
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