Jim: You can see the stain on the left side of the receiver in the seventh photo from the top in your post timed at 1:48.
I see significantly less clear indications of the stain in your last two photos of your post timed at 23:38. It is an apparent different coloration of the bluing and it may be no more than a fingerprint that was smeared or a reflection. If it was there, you would be able to see it far more clearly that we can using photos and I think you would wonder over it.
On grip numbers, I thought that grips were not numbered in 1942, but Frank, a far greater authority than I, thinks they should be. I would consider a very gentle effort with a cushioned screwdriver to see if that right grip screw will turn and give you a look at the back of the wood. Underscore "very gentle."
I need to acknowlege Frank's earlier correction of the E/37 rather than 135 stamp on the side of an fxo magazine. I was thinking barrel stamp and apologize for that error, gladly.
If you keep the gun, and it really looks nice, you can also purchase a 135 stamped loading tool for it. Simpson has them but they are admittedly expensive at $125. They would be a nice addition. When I had a byf 41, I obtained a 655 stamped loading tool and that was the same WaA number that was stamped on the receiver.
Remember that these pistols are on the order of 60 years old and are most likely to show some sign of their age.
I also report that I have turned down the byf 42 that I considered, but only after considerable agonizing and shaking my head over my checkbook balance, and I know that you know what I mean.
But, it's fun to keep looking.
David
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