After examining the extra pictures that Frank emailed to me, I have decided that
(1) the stock iron holding cup, the spare magazine pouch and possibly the leather that goes over the top of the holster holding the stock in place are repro.
(2) the grips at best are recheckered and at worst repro. Their condition is too good in comparision the the wear on the artillery. Particuarly on the barrel, rails and the side plate.
(3) I cannot identify the proof mark on the stock and no serial number on the stock iron was shown
(4) the spine of the magazine was either buffed or in some other way highly polished. The serial number on the wood bottom seems small and questionable. But I would accept it.
(5) the type 1 snail drum didn't have a lot of necessary pictures but I would accept it.
(6) no viewable or otherwise explained manufactures marking or date on the holster itself. This is unacceptible to me.
I advised Frank that for the $5000 sales price that I would run and not walk away from this deal. The leather is just a mix and match put together. But if emotion has taken hold, I would try for a price of $2000 to $2500. When I think of all the things that I could buy for $5000, I really turn negative on this rig.
Big Norm
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