I concur 100% with Ron on this. The only reason that the front of the frame, and the bottom of the barrel would have been "sanitized" in such a manner would be if sometime in this gun's life it was stolen. That could have happened 85 years ago, or it could have happened last year...
Even if the original number could be determined by x-ray or acid etching the surface, the gun could very likely be in the NCIC database as stolen. The last two digits of the serial number still appear on the bottom of the sideplate, and bottom of the takedown lever.
You only have two alternatives IMHO...
1) turn the gun into the local police or ATF with the explanation of how it was obtained. If they can determine the actual serial number and have no reports that the gun is stolen, the ATF can re-serialize the gun, and you can possibly get it back as a shooter, although you will probably have to pay some kind of fee for their services.
OR
2) You can strip all the useable parts and destroy the frame... If you take this option, you can cut the frame through the trigger guard and keep the "grip" area... Why? because you will have rendered it to be no longer a Firearm and the grip area can be used for creating, shaping and fitting new grips without worrying about sanding on the frame... or you can sell that grip piece to someone who is in that business (...like maybe Ithacaartist or Hugh Clark?)
Good Luck and let us know which way you eventually go...
The choice is up to you and your friend.
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regards, -John S
"...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL and are endowed by their Creator with certain UNALIENABLE rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."
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