Bryon,
* Many a standard wood grip byf has gone into the "beauty" shop (garage) and received repro black grips to enhance its resale value. The asking price doesn't seem to reflect this. Why??
* As you know, mismatched mag. The Sunburst S (*S) is an late 20's-early '30's Police acceptance mark. Numeral "2" indicates it is the second mag for the gun. A late byf 41 normally would have a "fxo" code maker's marked mag. accepted by an Army Inspector "sE/37". These later mag marks would appear on the lower side of the blue, "extruded" tube accompanied by a small P.08 near the center pinned plug.
* All info conveyed is correct for a WWII Army, transitional Inspector's marked, byf '41(E/655, E/135, E/S). An original example is not a common variation and the no suffix block is the correct S/N range.
* What you don't say is if all numbers match on all small parts (I/side & Out) of this example.
* Without pictures, its impossible to tell whether the finish is original or a later post war re-blue. Many dipped imports on the market right now @ about $575-$625. Look for an all blue muzzle, evidence of blue in the chamber, wear on the rails where sliding receiver to frame parts bear against each other, wear on the ramps in front of the safety lever where the toggle rides up during cycle, wear induced imprint of the rear toggle leaf impinging on the back vertical surface of the frame, blue around the firing pin hole in the front of the breech block, blue loss on the bottom of the breech block cut which picks up the next round from the chamber, etc. A 90% original finished collectible pistol, evidencing some bore pitting, would indicate regular use and proportional wear on moving parts with commensurate blue loss.
* Do you see any small Importer's marks?? Barrel, right receiver, underside of rails, or especially on the frame hidden under the left grip. ALso, some of the dipped blue imports have an "X" marked somewhere on the piece; usually on the left front of the receiver near the 4 digit S/N ahead of the side plate.
* I regularly remind myself: If a deal seems too good to be true; it usually is !!. Proceed methodically, without haste, knowing exactly why you are making this investment. Shooting or collectible investment?? Also, proceed with seriousness and timeliness to crystalize your intentions without confusion in deference to the seller's interests.
* IMHO: Repro holster is $35-$45; so, downside is you get a shooter at about top retail price. Upside is you get a collectible worth more. Does it fit your collecting interest?? Why would a seller encumber a true collectible with a repro holster??? Your decision now....follow your gut feel.
Respectfully,
WR
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