[Ron Wood]

Wes,

What about the up front disclosure that a coil spring modification had been welded into the frame and was removed? What about the early 10000-series serial number that properly has a stock lug? What about in additon to the weld marks, the holes made to support the bell-crank assembly for the coil spring remain as evidence of the modification? What about the fact that it would require an equally rare 1903/04 Navy grip safety old model frame with stock lug to replace the "bottom 2/3 of the grip", or do you think maybe that several pieces have been welded together to create a leaf spring frame with stock lug rather than one big 2/3 chunk?

You may very well be right, but the above questions come to mind. It just seems that if this is an attempt to create a "bogus" piece it is a pretty clumsy attempt. I think I will take your very considered obsevations under advisement, pursue if the presence of the stock detent is/is not actually there or if it is an illusion in the photo, await other responses, and reserve judgement until then. I understand your doubt in this age of widespread faking of scarce guns, but I guess I am still na�¯ve enough to think sometimes things are what they seem to be, and hope against the odds that occasionally a heretofore lost rare example turns up. It is fun when it does and not unexpected when it doesn't.