Sterling & All,
* Yawl correct me if I'm wrong; but, my understanding is all Mauser dip blue finishes were applied after parts were S/N'd. Consequently no halo should appear.
* A halo occurs when a stamp is punched through the finish and the unprotected, displaced & work hardened metal (crater) ridge is exposed to wear and air. The stamps "gully" usually shows "bright" or patinad(rust) as it is unfinished also. Don't see halos around any of the other S/N's; but, being neutral & diplomatic, it could be the photos/lighting. Notice the questioned digit "2" does appear to have finish in its recessed "gully". That took some magic if it was done after the overall original finish was applied. Sure there is a halo??
* Further, the position of this toggle number is in a generally protected area from holster(whatever) wear as the toggle knobs are contacted first by any foreign opposing surface.
* Finally, and this may be my eyes helping to support this conclusion, the size of the questioned digit "2" appears correct relative to the initial digit "5"; but, the form (font) of the digit "2" appears different than other "2"'s seen elsewhere on this example. The original Mauser digit "2", as seen in the comparison sideplate cut-in picture, curves around at the top and ends in a short segent virtually vertical or, to say another way, perpendicular to the base horizontal leg of the digit. The questioned digit "2" is a continous arc with the ending segment at the top still at an angle to vertical and not perpendicular to the base horizontal leg.
* When this "corrected" digit was applied is anyones guess. I can hear the old "repair or field armourer" story spooling up next. It is hard to be absolute in pronouncing judgement when distance and pictures are the only mechanism at hand. It may well be, at best, a factory instituted correction or, apparently, an old correction anyway. As uniform as the balance of the finish on this example is, it is a shame to think a careless factory worker error, corrected and passed by the inspectors would condemn this pistol to be forever excluded from collector's consideration.
* There is however the price(value). Suffices for me to say when I'm paying retail or near retail collector's prices, I like my gun to do all the talking, have all the correct answers, and keep me from having to provide "explainations".
* The upside is the seller has been forthcoming and reputable in his dealings. Appears a good deal of honest critical questioning & learning is going on as opposed to more ominous agenda's.
* Just one humble opinion from one rambling, sleepy source. <img border="0" alt="[sleep]" title="" src="graemlins/sleep.gif" />
Respectfully,
Bob